Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Perceptions Of Individual Burnout, Team Burnout, And Coping Resiliency Among Elite Pre-Professional Female Soccer Athletes, Kathleen Stapleton

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Mental illness is a significant contributor to physical illness and disease worldwide and is more prevalent in young adult females. Stress and burnout are both inputs and outputs affecting mental and physical health. Elite athletes are particularly susceptible to stress and burnout due to the added pressures of achieving champion status in their respective sports. Previous studies focused on individual perceptions of athlete burnout, but research is increasingly showcasing the need to understand the social aspect of team sport environments. This study used a cross-sectional survey to assess the levels of perceived burnout in a convenience sample of elite female …

Stress Coping Responses Of Undergraduate University Students Prior To & Since The Onset Of The Covid-19 Pandemic, Kaylee Diefenderfer

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

The stress coping mechanisms used by undergraduate university students affects their psychological well-being, stress level, and mental health outcomes. Increasing students’ use of positive coping mechanisms may increase academic outcomes, and overall health and well-being. This study evaluated the stress coping mechanisms used by undergraduate university students prior to and since the COVID-19 pandemic began. The Brief COPE inventory was used to measure stress coping responses. The results of this research indicated a significant change in 9 out of the 14 main coping mechanisms used by undergraduate university students prior to since the pandemic began. The top two stress coping …

The Assessment Of Emergency Preparedness Among University Students, Arliah Cox

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

University students have been an understudied population when it comes to the topic of emergency/ disaster preparedness. While there have been a few studies carried out to examine students’ perceptions of preparedness, the level of preparedness must be determined to be able to close the gap when it comes to barriers preventing them from being prepared. One hundred and eighty-seven undergraduate participants at a Midwestern university completed both online and in-person surveys in March 2022. The survey included questions regarding emergency/ disaster preparedness, perception of being prepared, and barriers which can prevent preparedness. Results showed that a lack of time …

The Primary Care Provider’S Role In Screening And Intervening In The Human Trafficking Of Adolescents: A Systematic Literature Review, Brittany Schmid

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Human trafficking (HT) is a growing concern within the United States (U.S.) and internationally. With the alarming number of HT victims presenting for medical care, primary care providers (PCPs) are in a unique and privileged position to encounter HT victims within the healthcare system. Adolescents, in particular, are vulnerable to HT because of minimal life experiences, inadequate social support, and limited coping mechanisms (Ertl et al., 2020). Failure to recognize and intervene in cases involving HT victims who are minors is detrimental to the individual’s health, wellbeing, and safety. With the assistance of education and training, community resources, guideline adoption, …

Factors Influencing Contraception Use In Sexual Minority Women: A Systematic Literature Review, Grace M. Hudson

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Contrary to widespread beliefs that lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, plus (LGBTQ+) women do not need contraceptive care, sexual minority women (SMW) engage in vaginal-penile sexual contact which puts them at risk for unintended pregnancy. SMW assigned female gender at birth are at higher risk for less reliable and consistent contraceptive use and thus unintended pregnancy (Everett et al., 2017). This leads to the question of factors which cause SMW to be less engaged in contraceptive services. Through synthesis of studies addressing SMW and contraceptives, four themes developed: attitudes towards contraception, obstacles to care, knowledge gaps, and ways to improve …

Understanding The Implications Of Hpv Infection: Does Parental Education Impact Hpv Vaccination Completion Rates?, Heather A. Pederson

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Up to 80% of United States (U.S.) citizens will contract the human papillomavirus (HPV) at some point in their lives. HPV has the ability to cause multiple types of cancer, including cervical, vulvar, vaginal, penile, anal, and oropharyngeal. The most recent HPV vaccine is effective against nine strains of the virus, which account for most cases of cancer and genital warts caused by HPV. Parents are a key component in reaching Healthy People 2030’s goal to have 80% of all adolescents in the U.S. completely vaccinated against HPV. Objective: The purpose of this systematic review was to determine if …

Assessment Of Perceived Levels Of Stress And Coping Mechanism Use Among Elementary School Teachers, Lauren Larson

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

The teaching profession is known to be highly stressful. Teacher stress is a real concern as there is a well-established link between job stress, burnout, and teacher attrition. Teacher attrition rates are currently at concerning levels in the United States and around the world. A cross-sectional, correlational study design was used to assess the relationship between perceived levels of stress and coping mechanism use among elementary school teachers. Participants consisted of a convenience sample of 420 public elementary school teachers in Minnesota. A 48-item survey which included the Perceived Stress Scale and Brief COPE was used to measure perceived levels …

Screens, School District Employees, And Sleep: Is There A Relationship?, Mary Kay L. Bruihler

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Statement of the Problem

Working in a school can be stressful and about half of educators in a national survey reported less than the recommended minimum of seven hours of sleep. Smartphones and other screened devices can cause sleep loss and are becoming more prevalent. Is there a relationship between the use of screened devices and sleep among the employees of a school district?

Procedures

Employees (n=36) of a small southern Minnesota school district were given an online survey regarding their sleep habits utilizing the Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), their screen time use, utilizing the Screen Time Questionnaire (STQ), …

Know Before You Play: Associations Between Race, Education, And Hiv Susceptibility, Anfa Mohamed Diiriye

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Black women are disproportionately affected by HIV in the United States. This paper analyzes the associations between race, education, and HIV susceptibility, furthering previous research to understand if educational attainment reduces HIV susceptibility and if reduction patterns are similar for Black and White women. The CDC’s National Survey of Family Growth 2015-2017 was used to analyze associations using binary logistic and multiple regression models. HIV susceptibility was operationalized through four measures: condom use, having a partner with concurrent sexual relationships, having had an STD, and age at first sex. Black women were not found to be significantly more susceptible to …

Human Papillomavirus (Hpv) Infection And Vaccine Knowledge And Attitudes Among University Students, Mckenzie Schmitz

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

HPV is the “most common sexually transmitted infection,” with approximately four out of five sexually active individuals getting infected at some point in their lives (Planned Parenthood, n.d.b, para.1). Cancers of the throat, mouth, cervix, anus, penis, and vagina have all been linked to HPV infections. In addition to being tested for HPV, the utilization of barrier methods and reduction of risky sexual risk behaviors, are the best ways to prevent and treat sexually transmitted infections. This study contributes to existing literature on university students’ knowledge and attitudes about HPV infections and the vaccination. This study was conducted using descriptive, …

Best Youth Education Methods For Sexually Transmitted Infection Prevention, Caitlin F. Walchonski

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Sexual health education in the United States is inconsistent; information and methods vary from one location to another. Education plays a large role in developing safe sex practices, and despite the sexual education efforts, rates of sexually transmitted infections have risen for five consecutive years in the United States. A systematic literature review was conducted to determine the best methods for educating adolescents to promote behaviors to enhance sexual health. Multiple types of interventions have been studied including cognitive behavioral interventions, comprehensive sexual education, parent and teen dyad education, and abstinence only education. Sexual behavior is influenced by a variety …

An Assessment Of Knowledge, Behavior, And Consumption Patterns Surrounding Sugar- Sweetened Beverages Among Young Adults, Anne Harguth

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Background The obesity epidemic is a growing problem in this country. Many studies have been conducted in effort to unravel and derail the rise in obesity and overweight status among Americans. Strong evidence supports the notion that excessive sugar consumption is largely contributing to an increase in obesity and risk for many chronic diseases and conditions.

Objective This study assessed sugar-sweetened beverage consumption, knowledge of sugar-sweetened beverages, disease risk associated with consumption, and correlation between the knowledge and consumption among a sample of students at a large midwestern university. A cross-sectional, retrospective design with random sampling was utilized for this …

The Difference In Barriers To Colorectal Cancer Screening Between Men And Women In The 45-55-Year Age Group, Maren Christina Davis

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Statement of the Problem: Adults, 50 years or older, should have a screening colonoscopy every ten years and fecal immunochemical test (FIT) every year. However, close to 22 million adults between the ages of 50-75 in the U.S. have never been screened for colorectal cancer, which delays treatment and can be fatal if the cancer is not found in time.

Procedure: This study used a descriptive, cross-sectional, survey-based design and a convenience sample of men and women between 45 and 55 years old to assess colorectal screening practices, barriers to screening, and knowledge levels about colorectal cancer screening.

Findings: A …

Sexual Consent In Middle School Sex Health Education: An Analysis Of Health Education Standards In Minnesota, Ashley Parent

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Comprehensive sex education is designed to teach sexual health, reproductive health, human sexual anatomy, safe sex, birth control and sexual abstinence. Consent education focuses on sexually transmitted infection (STI), pregnancy prevention, sexual identity, and the risks of sexual violence (Willis, 2019). This qualitative content analysis and survey will explore consent education in middle schools adopted in Minnesota from the past ten years. The research questions for this study are: is consent a part of sex education? How has consent been taught in 8-10 grades in Minnesota over the past 10 years? What frameworks are being used to teach consent to …

Blood Pressure Screening Practices Among Dental Hygienists, Mariah Sullinger

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

“There is consensus on the importance of early detection and treatment of hypertension and dental care is one of the few medical services which involves a considerable proportion of the population returning for routine check-ups” (Berne, Engstrom, Gahnberg, & Svardsudd, 2011, p 194). Little is known about the frequency and consistency of blood pressure screening practices or barriers affecting these procedures. Research findings may support efforts to increase or routinize scope and frequency of this preventive procedure among dental healthcare providers or make it a standard of care. Data from the survey was used to assess what type of setting …

Incentive-Use In Worksite Wellness Programs In Mn Government Agencies, Sandra Bromley

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

We used a digital email-based survey to collect information on WWP in government agencies in Minnesota. In terms of associations between incentive-use and success rates, results were inconclusive. Due to limitations in responses on the survey we are unable to draw a correlation between incentive-use and cost savings outcomes for agencies surveyed. Survey results did provide other information that can be useful by health educators to improve and grow WWP. Results showed that compared to national rates, government agencies in Minnesota may not be utilizing additional funding resources for WWP. Future research on the use of grant and insurance company …

Assessment Of Perceived Levels Of Stress And Coping Mechanisms Among University Students, Nancy Adomako-Saahene

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Majority of researchers have documented stress among college students. This study contributes to the existing literature on stress by assessing the relationship between perceived stress levels and the coping strategies utilized by university students. The study was conducted using a descriptive, inferential, cross-sectional, and correlational research design. The population for this study was students at a large, Midwestern university. A convenience sampling technique was used to select the students for the study. Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) was used to assess the participant’s perceived level of stress, whereas COPE Inventory was used to examine strategies participants use in coping with stress. …

Assessing Knowledge, Attitude And Practices Of Hand Hygiene Among University Students, Linda Afia Mbroh

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Objective: Proper hand hygiene is the key to reducing occurrence of infectious diseases in many different types of communities, including the healthcare settings, daycare centers, and grade schools. College students have been found to inadequately wash their hands, which increases their chances of contracting infectious diseases. The purpose of this research is to assess the knowledge, attitude and practices of hand hygiene among students at a large midwestern university.

Participants and Methods: Using a cross- sectional survey, and three self-reported questionnaires, data were collected from 406 undergraduate students, ages 18 years of age and above enrolled at Minnesota State University, …

The Relationship Of Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring And Hypertension Control, Durga Mishra

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

The purpose of this structured literature analysis is to review the relationship of blood pressure self-monitoring and hypertension control. Blood pressure self-monitoring can help reduce the high blood pressure burden among people with hypertension, minimize the risk of heart disease and related complications. Self-care is an important component in managing chronic illness. Self- monitoring of blood pressure may allow people with hypertension to be concerned about their long-term health. Furthermore, blood pressure self-monitoring may lead to lifestyle modification behaviors and adherence to treatment. The positive relationship of blood pressure self- monitoring and hypertension control may help people to understand the …

Using The Health Belief Model To Assess Undergraduate College Students Knowledge And Perceptions Of Human Papillomavirus In Order To Better Understand Vaccine Intentions, Kelly Mcmahon

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

According to the Centers for Disease control and Prevention (CDC)(2016b), Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the most commonly sexually transmitted infection in the United States. HPV is so prevalent that nearly all sexually active people will obtain a strain of HPV at some point in their lives (CDC, 2016d). Approximately one in four Americans are currently infected in the United States with HPV, and approximately 14 million new infections of HPV spread each year in the United States (CDC, 2016b).

Ultimately the HPV vaccination is a form of cancer prevention. With the vaccination uptake, the burden of HPV related health problems …

Avian And Pandemic Influenza Knowledge And Risk Perception In Southern Minnesota, Holly Munch

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Avian influenza is an important public health issue because such viruses have the potential to mutate into a pandemic influenza virus with widespread, even global, morbidity and mortality. Studies have indicated that knowledge about avian and pandemic influenza and perception of pandemic risk are low among the public and even in the health professions. This study was undertaken to evaluate the level of avian and pandemic influenza knowledge and risk perception among adults in southern Minnesota with a view to preparing effective educational interventions and improving preparedness for an influenza pandemic. An 18-question electronic survey was administered to 99 people …

Employees' Interests And Preferences Regarding Worksite Exercise Programs, Amber Butcher

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

In order to address the problem of an unhealthy workforce, employers often implement disease prevention and health promotion strategies, referred to as worksite wellness programs. The purpose of this study was to examine employees' interests and preferences regarding worksite exercise programs. To collect data, a 12 item survey was developed and administered to employees from a company based in Rochester, Minnesota. A total of 21 participants completed the survey (66.7% male, 28.6% female). The mean age was 51 years old. The findings of the study indicated an interest in worksite exercise programs and that incentives may motivate employees to participate …

Falls Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults: Determining The Relationship Between Social Networks And The Risk For Falls, Smita Sikhrakar

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Falls among community-dwelling older adults is a big public health problem, which have an effect on older adults' health, independence, and quality of life. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between social networks and the risk for falls among community-dwelling older adults. This was a descriptive correlational study, which utilized a cross-sectional survey for the data collection. The dependent and independent variable of this study were the risk for falls among the community-dwelling older adults, and the strength and type of social networks respectively. In this study, 218 community-dwelling older adults were recruited, who were living …

Health Literacy Proficiency, Sources Of Health Information, And Perceived Barriers To Health Literacy Among Selected Members Of The Hmong Community In Minnesota, Amanda Vang

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

The purpose of this study was to determine health literacy proficiency, sources of health information, and perceived barriers to health literacy among selected members of the Hmong community in Minnesota. Data for this cross-sectional study were collected using the Short Assessment on Health Literacy-English (SAHL-E) screening tool and a questionnaire. The SAHL-E screening tool and a questionnaire were distributed to 40 Hmong residents in the St. Paul/Minneapolis in Minnesota. When combining the numbers of health literacy scores, a mean of 15.5 was reported. The overall findings of this research assessed that the Hmong community in Minnesota has adequate health literacy …

Relationship Between Nurses' Job Satisfaction And Quality Of Healthcare They Deliver, Samuel Aron

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

The purpose of this study was to examine nurses’ perception of the relationship between job satisfaction and quality of care they deliver, and barriers to a quality care. Data for this cross-sectional study was collected using a paper survey developed by the researcher. This 28-item questionnaire assessed nurses’ perception of the relationship between job satisfaction and the quality of care they deliver, and factors that affect the delivery of a quality care and job satisfaction. The questionnaire was distributed to 80 nurses (RNs, LPNs, and nursing assistants) who work in direct patient care at a small Minnesota hospital. Analysis included …

Plan B Emergency Contraception: Sampled University Students' Knowledge, Attitudes, And Behaviors, Natalie Hazel

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

The purpose of this research was to assess and evaluate sampled university students' knowledge, attitudes, perceptions, and behaviors related to the Plan B emergency contraceptive. To collect data, a 29 item survey was developed and administered to students in sampled classrooms at Minnesota State University, Mankato campus regarding their knowledge, attitudes, perceptions, and behaviors related to the Plan B emergency contraceptive; as well as demographic information. The findings of the study indicated there were some participants who have much knowledge about the Plan B emergency contraceptive. However, findings also showed that there were a number of participants who lacked knowledge …

Physical Environment And Women's Physical Activity Behaviors, Beth Ann Brisky

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

This study was developed using the Ecological Model (Stokols, 1992). The purpose of this study was to determine women's perceptions of the physical environment and the relationship between perceptions and physical activity behaviors. The study also analyzed women's non-motorized transportation behaviors, including walking and cycling to get from place to place. An email was sent to 526 female Minnesota State University, Mankato employees to ask them to participate in an electronic survey. The survey was developed using two of Sallis's (2013a, 2013b) instruments, Neighborhood Quality of Life Study survey and Neighborhood Environment Walkability Scale-Confirmatory Factor Analysis survey. The survey consisted …

Recognition Of And Attitudes Toward, Intimate Partner Violence Among Sampled University Students, Samantha Maureen Wobschall

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

The purpose of this research was to further explore university students' recognition of instances of intimate partner violence and their attitudes toward this issue. A total of 382 male and female university students from a mid-sized public university participated in the survey. Findings show that 97% of participants were able to accurately identify the scenario that did not depict intimate partner violence, however rates of recognition ranged from 51% to 90% for scenarios that did depict IPV. Through an independent t-test, this research found that there was a significant difference when comparing male and female students' ability to accurately recognize …

Knowledge Of Hpv, Perception Of Risk, And Intent To Obtain Hpv Vaccination Among Sampled Male University Students At Minnesota State University, Mankato, Lia Lambert

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Human papilloma virus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the U.S. HPV is known to cause many types of cancers such as cervical, vulvar, vaginal, penile, anal, and oropharyngeal cancers. A preventative measure, the HPV vaccine, is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control for both boys and girls. Since past prevention efforts primarily focused on female vaccination it is uncertain if males are aware of HPV, its effects and preventative measures. The purpose of this study was to determine the knowledge level of HPV, perceived risk of HPV and intent to obtain HPV vaccination among …

Sex Education Background Of Students At Msu, Mankato Prior To Enrollment At The University, Natalie Mcconkey

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

The purpose of this study was to determine what key concepts were recalled in high school sex education curricula by students at MSU. The participants in this study were MSU, students enrolled in 2013 spring semester Health and the Environment course. An electronic survey consisting of 43 questions was distributed though the survey program SurveyMonkey. The survey was sent out to 596 MSU students, and data was collected from 39 MSU, M students. Roughly, 73% of the participants reported receiving comprehensive sex education compared to 19% of participants reporting abstinence-only education in high school. The key concepts that received major …