Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Metabolic Alterations And Cardiovascular Risk After Hepatitis C Cure In Subjects With Or At Risk For Hiv, Christophe Maxime Fokoua Dongmo

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

Background. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection engenders substantial metabolic changes. These changes are altered when the virus is cleared after successful treatment. We measured these metabolic alterations that occur after HCV cure; further, we assessed whether these alterations differed in subgroups defined by patients’ characteristics.

Behind Closed Doors: A Look Into Access To Supportive Resources And Women Experiencing Intimate Partner Violence (Ipv), Ashley Lauren Holloway

Master's Projects and Capstones

Introduction Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) is a preventable health disparity that remains an underrepresented health issue due to survivors' comfortability in reporting violence within their most intimate relationships; in addition to providers' comfortability in addressing intimate partner violence. The high prevalence of IPV-related incidents highlights the importance of early intervention to prevent victims from experiencing violence again and dying.

Methods A systematic review was conducted to look into intimate partner violence against women. Key words such as intimate partner violence or domestic violence, women, utilization of care services or services, socioecological model were searched through pubmed and other scholarly search …

Wearable Activity Trackers For Women: Motivating Factors For Increasing Physical Activity, Danielle A. Bate

Theses and Dissertations

Half of American women do not sustain recommended levels of physical activity (PA). Wearable activity trackers (WATs) may increase both awareness of, and PA if worn daily. Thus, WATs should include features and designs that encourage daily use. This study aimed to determine WAT features and designs most appealing to women and the motivational effects of various WATs. For this mixed-method pilot study, 15 women each trialed three WATs; documented daily PA levels; and rated their satisfaction with each device's comfort, features, and motivational effect. Additionally, participants shared experiences and feedback in focus groups. Features that promote adoption of WATs …

Improving Recognition And Treatment Of Depression Among Women Using Phq-9 During Office Visits, Victoria Nwokocha, Heather Owens, Chris Webb

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Capstones

Depression can affect productivity and earnings among women, slow down the pace of active participation in social and family life, and increase health costs as well as distract attention from optimal health targets. Depression is the highest source of disability in NYC, with billions of dollars annually in related productivity losses. Although healthcare spending on depression affected patients is largely on hospital admissions, an estimated 40% of affected persons in New York do not get the adequate attention and care needed, with women most often affected by depression. This is an indication that the bedrock of preventive medicine for mental …

Quality Of Life For Women With Chronic Lyme Disease: A Socioeconomic Investigation, Dale M. Jones

Doctoral Dissertations

This is a mixed methods investigation of how chronic Lyme disease, including Lyme-like diseases and co-infections, affects the quality of life of women who have chronic Lyme. Both quantitative and qualitative methods were used during three phases of research: a 91-question survey instrument followed by focus group discussions and written narratives. The research considered the socioeconomic impact on quality of life in five areas: obtaining a diagnosis, relationships and personal support systems, struggles with the medical system, the ability to work, and access to treatment. There were 500 responses to the survey, of which 373 were analyzed; 11 participants in …

Community Health Worker Program - Substance Use Disorder In Pregnancy, Alicia Claire Kletter Dnp

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Projects

Background Substance use disorder (SUD) in pregnancy is a concern for mother, baby and community. Healthcare policies are increasingly calling for diversification of the workforce to meet healthcare needs. Community health workers (CHWs) are understood from the literature to be effective at bridging the gap between patient and healthcare provider, especially for vulnerable populations. Local Problem California’s Central Valley is majority Latinx and faces challenges from poverty, lack of medical resources, unemployment and SUD at rates which are higher than other communities. Combine SUD with pregnancy and the need for robust social connections, psychological support, and physical healthcare become even …

Treatment Evaluation Of Iron Deficiency Anemia In Women Of An Underserved Community, Bukola Olusanya

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Manuscripts

Background/Purpose: Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is the most common micronutrient deficiency globally. More than 20% of women experience IDA during the reproductive year. As the first-line treatment in IDA, oral iron supplement (IOS) is associated with gastrointestinal side (GI) effects, and it is often a barrier to achieving normal hemoglobin (Hb) and serum ferritin (SF) levels. Ineffective treatment fueled by a lack of guidelines increases the dilemma of dosing frequency in primary care, leads to poor quality of life, and increases the burden of anemia.

Intervention: Evidence showed that intermittent OIS is as effective as daily dosing. It is associated …

Utilizing Community Health Workers To Support Latinx Women With Substance Use Disorder During Pregnancy, Alicia Claire Kletter

DNP Qualifying Manuscripts

Community health workers in the Latinx community, sometimes called promotores de salud, are employed in a variety of medical settings to help increase access to health promoting services such as awareness, education, and screening. Given their deep understanding of the culture and community in which they work, community health workers in Latinx communities are increasingly included in the healthcare team for their cultural sensitivity and versatility with hard- to-reach populations, including the support of pregnant women and children. An integrative review of the literature seeks to understand if community health workers can improve outcomes for pregnant women who also suffer …

Uno Student Access To Emergency Contraception: A Needs Assessment, Annika Kuchar

Theses/Capstones/Creative Projects

Emergency contraception (EC) is a common method of contraception that helps prevent ovulation before implantation of an egg inside a uterus. Among college students, EC can be utilized to prevent unplanned pregnancies that could potentially prevent someone from completing their degree. College students can face unique barriers when trying to access EC including transportation, privacy, financial, or mental/emotional barriers. The purpose of this study was to determine what barriers students at the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) face when trying to access EC, and what future accommodations they would utilize if given the option. The study surveyed 147 UNO …

Communicating Pain Unseen: Addressing Health Outcomes In Sexual Activity For Women With Endometriosis, Madison Wiese

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Roughly 160 million women live with endometriosis, a chronic disease involving the uterine lining shedding on the outside of the uterus causing immense physical and emotional pain (Becker et al., 2020). One common symptom of endometriosis is dyspareunia, or painful sex (Ballard et al., 2008). This study aims to uncover how gender expectations from society impact women with endometriosis specifically in sexual encounters. Informed by the traditional sexual script theory and sexual script theory, the study examines how traditional gender norms might influence women’s prioritization of their own health needs as well as the physical, emotional, and relational health outcomes …

“In The Skin I’M In…I Represent A Different Version Of What Help Looks Like:” Black Women Sport Psychology Professional’S Experiences In Applied Sport Psychology, Sharon R. Couch

Doctoral Dissertations

Black Feminist Applied Sport Psychology (BFASP) is a culturally inclusive theoretical framework for centering Black women’s experiences in applied sport psychology (Carter et al., 2020; Couch et al., 2022). For the past two decades, (White) Feminist applied sport psychology professionals (FASPPs) described the experiences of Black women as unique but were overlooked in research and participant pools due to the prioritization of White women's and Black male sport experiences. (Carter & Davila, 2017; Carter & Prewitt-White, 2014; Gill, 2020; Hyman et al., 2021). The purpose of this study was to explore the life and work experiences of BASPPs (i.e., faculty, …

Caregiver-Child Conversations About Sex In African American Women, Hannah King

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Using grounded theory methods, this study examines the experience of African American women during their caregiver-child conversations about sex and the impacts of the conversations on their sexual attitudes. The process of these conversations begins with an unplanned topic and progresses further to identify six essential themes of these conversations: gender differences, race and religion, protective/emphasis on protection, lack of knowledge, withholding knowledge, and sex negativity/shame. African American women’s description of the process included feelings of shame and negativity towards their sexuality. Caregivers promoted positive messages about sex by having open conversations that advocated for equality between the genders, empower …

The Underdiagnosis Of Adhd In Black Females, Kiana Clerkley

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Background

Historically, Black women have continued to face discriminatory practices within the various branches of healthcare in America, including mental health.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to explore the reasons for and factors contributing to the underdiagnosis of Attention Deficit- Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) among Black females.

Methods

This study was conducted using both quantitative and qualitative methods by use of collecting self-report scales and conducting individual interviews. Eight Black women were recruited by posting fliers on social media accounts that served as ADHD support groups among women. I collected data with the results of the self-report scale and …

Increasing Physical Activity In Women With Obesity To Promote Weight Loss, Ashley N. Kohler

Evidence-Based Practice Project Reports

Obesity is a chronic disease associated with a multitude of lifelong chronic illnesses. Obesity impacts more than 42% of the United States population (CDC, 2021b). Physical inactivity is a major determinant of obesity (Muerer et al., 2019). The purpose of this evidence-based practice (EBP) project was to promote a greater reduction in body mass index (BMI) of the participants enrolled in an existing wellness program at the EBP practice site by increasing the physical activity level of the participants compared to standard protocol. The existing wellness program’s standard protocol included diet modifications, physical activity encouragement, and medication management. The EBP …

Applying Self-Compassion And Stress Management Techniques To Increase Healthy Behaviors Among Women At The New Beginnings Center, Payton Knupp

OTD Capstone Projects

The New Beginnings Center is a nonprofit organization that serves as an empowerment program for women from disadvantaged backgrounds in the Nashville area. Current curriculum includes a 12-week program focused on nutrition, exercise, and positive lifestyle changes that provide a holistic approach to long-term behavior change and a lasting support system. The objective for this project was to provide updated programming based on current research and relevant topics for the population, utilizing the cognitive behavioral frame of reference to facilitate behavior change, reframing negative and distorted thinking into healthy and productive habits. The subjects of the two workshops focused on …

Healing Through Mother Earth, Taylor A. Russell

Dance (MFA) Theses

This thesis deals with mental health, with a focus on Black women. Historically, Black women are often so compromised, being constant caregivers and helping everyone else, that they forget to help themselves, not having the time and financial means to do so. If we go back in the time of slavery, many Black women were taking care of slave owners' children and suckling the white women’s babies instead of their own. By the time they got home and after diligently caring for other people’s children they were focused on their own children, who they had been away from for hours …

An Examination Of Three Transitional Events In The Substance Misuse Trajectories Of Women With Criminal Legal System Involvement, Martha Tillson

Theses and Dissertations--Sociology

Research has consistently demonstrated that criminal legal system (CLS)-involved women are distinct from men in initiation and course of drug use, with important differences on biological, environmental, and sociocultural levels. Thus, the unique pathways and transitions into and out of drug use for women with CLS involvement are critical to consider from a research perspective, but also from a need to develop and support evidence-based, women-centered services in correctional contexts. This dissertation project uses a three-paper format to investigate three aims: (1) to understand CLS-involved women’s initiations to injection drug use and their experiences providing injection initiation assistance (IIA) to …

Is Aquatic Therapy An Effective Treatment For Reducing Fatigue In Adult Females Living With Ms?, Hanna L. Ozarski

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine, “Is aquatic therapy an effective treatment for reducing fatigue in adult females living with MS?”

Study Design: A systematic review of three randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published between 2015 and 2018.

Data Sources: All three RCTs were published in English peer reviewed journals and were discovered on PubMed using selective search criteria. Studies were chosen based on their relevance and competency to answer the clinical question proposed.

Outcome Measured: The main outcome of focus in each of the articles selected for this review was fatigue reduction. Outcomes were measured …

Online Support For Families Affected By Opioid Use Disorder, Sharonda Hill

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Families who care for children with neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) face many challenges and may be lacking support. The purpose of this project was to provide evidence-based information to families caring for NAS children through an established online support group, To the Moon and Back. Nola Pender’s Health Promotion Model was the theoretical model used to guide this project. An intervention to deliver support and information was implemented through three sessions. During these sessions participants were educated on evidenced-based tools to help their children with behavioral self- regulation and communication with providers. Data was collected through pre and post assessments …

Uterine Fibroid Prevalence And Health Care Disparities By County. Florida, 2010-2019, Saarah K. Sherifi

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Also known as uterine fibroids, leiomyomas occur in 70% of women. A uterine leiomyoma is a benign growth in the muscular wall of the uterus which, if left untreated, can grow, and affect surrounding organs, leading to complications, including hemorrhage and death. Symptomatic women often experience pain and debilitating menstrual cycles which, in turn, result in poor health, poor quality of life, and loss of income. Preventative and treatment services in Florida could benefit from the characteristics of women affected the most by this disease in the state. Thus, we describe the demographic characteristics and estimate the prevalence rate of …

Staff Education On Perinatal Depression, Kirenia Santiuste

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Perinatal depression (PND) is a global mood disorder affecting women transitioning into parenthood and is closely related to extensive psychosocial and financial consequences for the family. Ten to twenty percent of new mothers in the US are affected by PND in the year after giving birth. The problem identified for this Doctor of Nursing Practice project was the need for staff education on knowledge of and screening for PND in the obstetrical clinic for which the project was developed in a southeastern state of the US. Using the analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation model, the purpose of this Doctor …

Help-Seeking Behaviors For Depression Among Native Hawaiian Women In The Western Region Of The United States Mainland, Marlana Glover

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Help-seeking for depression, as with other mental illnesses is contingent upon stigmas that one perceives. Although causes for depression differ among indigenous populations, native Hawaiians suffer from the Western acculturation and colonization of their homeland. With lack of trust in the U.S. healthcare system, many native Hawaiians are reluctant to seek help for depression. Furthermore, research has shown that most studies on native Hawaiians are conducted in their native environment when many Hawaiians relocate to the U.S. mainland. Because of the current depression crisis, it is critical to explore depression among native Hawaiians, particularly women on the mainland to see …

Holistic Health Among African American Women Remaining In A Marriage After Infidelity, Nena Evette Harris

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Infidelity has been noted as a major reason married women experience stress and seek therapy. Infidelity is a social problem that results in adverse outcomes for individuals, families, and society. Health disparities are noted in women who have experienced infidelity. Studies have been conducted on marital status and health, but little has been studied on the holistic health experiences of married African American women who stay in their marriage after a spouse’s infidelity. The purpose of this generic qualitative study was to explore how the experience of marital infidelity affects the holistic health of heterosexual African American women in the …

Impact Evaluation Of The Brfss In New York On Obesity Prevention For Weight Loss Among Women, Nikisha Skeete

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Abstract Obesity has increased among the adult population, specifically women, in the United States within the past few decades. While the increase in obesity has been linked to a lack of physical activity and poor dietary intake, obesity lacks contextual analysis within adult women as a group. The purpose of this quantitative study was to examine the impact of the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) on obesity prevention for weight loss in women. Health behavior change theory, the transtheoretical theory model, and the health behavior model guided this study. The research questions were designed to examine whether modifiable lifestyle …

Body Satisfaction And Self-Efficacy As A Predictor For Obesity Among African American College Women, Sacha Nicole Morris-Dorsey

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

African American women have the highest rates of obesity when compared to any ethnic group in the United States, and the rates of obesity among this population are expected to continue to increase. In this study, social cognitive theory was used to predict the connection between body satisfaction, self-efficacy, and obesity in 18–24-year-old African American women attending college. The data were analyzed using multiple regression, while controlling for demographic variables, to determine if body satisfaction (Body-Esteem Scale for Adolescents and Adults) and self-efficacy (The Eating Self-Efficacy Scale) predicted obesity among African American women in college. Thirty-three participants completed the survey. …

Nicu Services For Preterm Babies: Experiences Of Aghem Women Of Northwest Cameroon, Deudonne Kum Amuam

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The experiences of women with health care services continue to be a challenge for health care workers in providing quality care. Women’s poor impressions of health care services in sub-Saharan Africa stems from the negative behavior of health care workers during the provision of care to mothers and their preterm babies. The lack of data on women's experience with health care services in Cameroon was the problem this study addressed. The study's purpose was to understand Aghem women's experience with health services provided for their preterm babies in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and how they perceived that their …

Frequency And Type Of Diabetes Screening Tests In A Sample Of Women With Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: A Descriptive Study, Jacklyn Vollmer

Theses and Dissertations--Public Health (M.P.H. & Dr.P.H.)

Introduction: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder that affects 6-12% of United States women of reproductive age. Women with PCOS are at an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes and fall into high-risk groups for screening guidelines put out by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). Guidelines further suggest that an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) be used for diabetes screening in women with PCOS as opposed to an A1C or fasting plasma glucose test. The purpose of this study is to examine rates and type of diabetes screening used among a sample of women …

Potential Impact Of Socioeconomic Status On Complications Associated With Obesity In Adult Women In The United States., Cassidy Taylor

Theses and Dissertations--Public Health (M.P.H. & Dr.P.H.)

Abstract

The purpose of this project is to determine whether there is an association between socioeconomic factors and complications of obesity in adult women in the United States based on the national 2020 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) data.

Dependent variables were categorized as complications associated with obesity in adult, obese women. BRFSS items that referenced objective measures regarding chronic obesity-related complications included items such as diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, and breast cancer diagnosis. Two measures relating to participants’ socioeconomic status were also used as independent variables. BRFSS items that referenced objective measures regarding socioeconomic status are educational attainment, …