Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Effects Of Acute Exercise On Cognition: Consideration Of Potential Moderators, Lucy C. Wilson, Elizabeth Carwile, Mara Liston, Elizabeth Gaines, Mckenzie Cotten, Mary Griffin

Honors Theses

The present thesis aims to determine the effects, if any, of six potential moderators on the effects of acute moderate-intensity exercise on cognitive functioning. The modes of exercise undertaken by the participants included treadmill (Experiment 1) and stationary bike (Experiment 2) exercise. Participants in each experiment either exercised or rested for twenty minutes and then participated in either a memory recall task or cognitive functioning (“Stroop”) task. The bouts of either exercise or rest on the stationary bike were followed by a rest period during which the participant would be exposed to either standard air oxygen levels (normoxia) or hypoxic …

A Search For Transcriptional Cofactors Of Gcm/Repo Involved In Determining Glia Cell Fate In Drosophila Melanogaster, Nivedha Kosalram

Honors Theses

In Drosophila melanogaster, the mechanism influencing the differentiation of glia and neurons is directed by a key transcription factor known as glial cells missing (gcm). gcm is a crucial regulator of cell fate decision, functioning as a binary switch to direct glial fate in gcm- positive cells and neuronal fate in gcm-negative cells (Jones, et.al, 1995; Hosoya, et.al, 1995; and Vincent, et.al, 1996). In addition to directing gliogenesis, gcm and its homolog gcm2 facilitate the determination of macrophages and tendon cells, highlighting that gcm acts with supplementary factors to induce various signaling pathways in different contexts (Jones, 2005; Johnson, et …

Over-The-Counter Cold Medication Usage Self-Efficacy Among Undergraduate Students In The United States, Ray Goodwin

Honors Theses

Background

This study looks at the trends in over-the-counter medication usage and self-efficacy among undergraduate college students in the United States. Over-the-counter (OTC) medications serve as the most easily accessible and commonly purchased medications and can be used as a basis to determine this demographic’s attitudes and behaviors towards self-medication. In addition, undergraduates represent a diverse population for analyzing differences among demographic groups.

Methods

A Qualtrics survey was sent out to undergraduates across the US via a panel, and the team received 403 useable responses. As part of a larger study, the survey presented participants with four different scenarios at …

Institutional Connectedness And Social Support Among College Students: Links To Campus Involvement, Carissa Strum

Honors Theses

Background. College is a pivotal period in the lives of students, and an important aspect of the experience is involvement within the campus. College student wellness is also a growing area of interest in higher education, with increased attention on ways to help students thrive. This study explores which aspects of campus involvement contribute to students’ feelings of connectedness and social support. This study aims to 1) assess the association between campus involvement and social support among college students, 2) assess the association between campus involvement and institutional connectedness among college students, and 3) examine whether the association between campus …

Associations Between Tiktok Use And Undergraduate Nursing Professional Identity, Parker M. Watts

Honors Theses

Background. The global surge in social media usage prompts extensive research into its links with nursing professional identity. College-aged individuals who are in nursing school or are going to be in nursing school in the future must navigate their professional identity as they face heightened susceptibility to subjective opinions about the career of a nurse due to their frequent engagement with social media platforms. Among these platforms is that of TikTok, a platform of which has rapidly gained traction, especially among younger demographics. TikTok remains relatively underexplored in terms of its impact on nursing professional identity. This study seeks to …

A Local Assessment Of Glp-1 Use For Weight Loss: An Interview Study, Maci Bradley

Honors Theses

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists are a novel class of medications used primarily for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, as well as for chronic weight management. The first GLP-1 medication, exenatide, was FDA-approved in April of 2005 for glycemic control, however, it was not until December of 2014 when liraglutide became the first GLP-1 FDA-approved for weight loss. There are now eight FDA-approved GLP-1s, only two of which are approved for weight loss. GLP-1 use has become increasingly popular in recent years, even extending to the college-aged population. The purpose of this study is to examine the trends in …

Empowering Youth Through Cooking Classes, Jamiya C. Mason

Honors Theses

Chronic health issues and poor dietary habits continue to disproportionately impact rural communities in Mississippi, especially among children. Research has shown that early exposure to healthy foods and cooking practices can positively influence lifelong health behaviors. Cooking classes have also been linked to improved food literacy, culinary confidence, and willingness to try new foods. The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of a short-term culinary program on children’s cooking self-efficacy and food behaviors in Quitman County, Mississippi.

Four cooking classes were conducted with youth (grades 4–7) in a local after-school program. Lessons included vegetable-based recipes, including zucchini …

Building Community Through Food And Health: Student Initiatives To Address Food Insecurity In Mississippi, Sarah E. Sawaya

Honors Theses

This thesis explores food insecurity in Oxford and Lafayette County, Mississippi, within the broader context of state, national, and global challenges. Over a four-year period, student-led and community organizations collaborated to design programs that addressed both food access and chronic illness prevention through education, outreach, and direct service. Community input was gathered through health screenings, campus engagement, and informal interviews with residents, which guided the development of practical tools like recipe kits, QR code-based cookbooks, and on-site health education. These efforts were rooted in local partnerships and shaped by the lived experiences of those most affected. This project demonstrates that …

Health Fairs: An Effective Approach To Health Promotion Through Community Engagement And Community-Campus Partnerships, Brookleigh Brumfield

Honors Theses

Community engagement seeks to achieve long-term outcomes through collaborating with community and campus partners to address the issues affecting the community by centering their voices, concerns, and solutions. This capstone project seeks to offer health and language access for residents in Lafayette, Pontotoc, and Union Counties, and to evaluate the health fair model from the perspective of participating community and campus partners. With this information from organizations, it will be possible to create the most efficient, beneficial health fairs in these counties. The community partner perspectives show the importance of community engagement, but also the significance for the campus as …

Keep Me Upright, Joscelyn C. Zimmerman, Kamrie L. Peterson

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects: College of Nursing

Background: As our society ages, falls have emerged as a leading cause of accidental injury and death globally, significantly impacting older adults’ quality of life (Matchar et al., 2017; WHO, 2021). The consequences of falls are profound, encompassing physical injuries, psychological distress, and substantial healthcare costs. In the U.S., Medicare spends approximately $31.3 billion annually on fall-related care (Gettel et al., 2020). These statistics underscore the need for standardized fall prevention strategies in primary care.

Purpose: This Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project aimed to implement a standardized systems-level process change for fall risk screening and education during Medicare Annual …

Tackling Social Stigma: An Ethical Obligation In Healthcare Intervention To Involuntary Childlessness, Persis Naumann

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The stigma associated with involuntary childlessness has negatively affected health and well-being for several decades. This situation is particularly exacerbated for women within the Tamil socio-cultural context, resulting in feelings of shame, neglect, denial, isolation, and constituting a significant barrier to long-term access to healthcare services. Although advancements have been made in the provision of biomedical care, the psychosocial support remains inadequately addressed. Moreover, there are currently no healthcare interventions that specifically target the stigma associated with this issue, which hinders open communication with healthcare providers, delays necessary treatments, and adversely impacts overall health outcomes. The central thesis of this …

The Ethical Imperative Of The Renewal Of Virtue Within The Moral Community Of Catholic Healthcare, Amanda Altobell

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Catholic healthcare is one of the largest nonprofit organizations and providers in the United States, offering medical care to many diverse communities. The fundamental mission of Catholic healthcare is to bring about Christ’s healing ministry and live out the fundamental principle of caring for the vulnerable in pursuit of the common good. However, there have been many missteps, not only due to a more polarized and secular community but also to scandals and conflict due to previous hierarchical and rules-based anthropology that often misses the person's lived experience. Therefore, this dissertation will argue that for Catholic healthcare to survive the …

A Theory-Based Intervention To Mitigate Weight Bias Among Nurses: A Pilot Study, Gregory S. Marler

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Background: As obesity rates continue to rise, a growing number of individuals living with obesity will seek medical care, increasing their exposure to weight-biased healthcare providers. This bias presents a significant risk, as it can lead to compromised care, diminished trust in medical professionals, and ultimately poorer health outcomes. Nurses, as frontline caregivers, must recognize the harmful impact of weight bias and take proactive steps to mitigate its effects. Addressing this bias is essential to ensuring equitable, high-quality care and improving patient outcomes.

Aim: The study explored the acceptability, feasibility, and preliminary efficacy of an intervention for acute care …

A Multi-Modal Intervention To Improve Identification, Management, And Prevention Of Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections In The Urgent Care Clinic, Stephanie Krol

Evidence-Based Practice Project Reports

Nearly 60% of women will suffer from a urinary tract infection (UTI) in their lifetime, with 20- 40% of them suffering from multiple (Anger et al., 2022). The primary purpose of this evidence-based project was to implement a multi-modal intervention to improve identification of women who suffer from recurrent urinary tract infections (rUTIs) and to assist in the prevention and treatment of future UTIs. Additionally, the project aimed to increase the number of referrals to urology for better management of these patients. This project was implemented at an Urgent Care Clinic (UCC) in northwest Indiana. Eligible participants who presented with …

Exploring The Relationship Between Disability And Stress: A Preliminary Study, Katie Mcclyman

Undergraduate University Honors Capstones

Mental health issues can become disabling, and living with a disability in an ableist world can cause mental health struggles. This project explores what aspects of living with a disability generate stress. This project is a survey that gathered data through a two-questionnaire survey of disabled college-aged students. The need for a project like this came from the fact that there is not substantial research from the field of psychology done on disabled people and the relationship between disability and stress. The results of this study found that the more disability impact increases, so does disability related stress. This means …

Patient Perception Of Nurse Practitioner Care, Nurse Practitioner Scope Of Practice And How That Influences Provider Choice, Naomi Hemp

Doctoral Projects

This project investigates patients' perceptions of nurse practitioner (NP) care versus physician (MD) care, the factors influencing these perceptions, and patients' understanding of NP scope of practice. A cross-sectional design was used, gathering quantitative data through an anonymous one-time survey distributed via Qualtrics, open for three months. Questions were based on The Watson Caritas Patient Score (WCPS) and the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems Survey (HCAHPS). Data were analyzed using Intellectus Statistics software™, with descriptive statistics summarizing the findings. A two-tailed paired samples t-test revealed statistically significant differences in favor of patients' perceptions of NP care versus …

Sculpting Healing Spaces: Bridging The Gaps In Cancer Care Facilities, Mayra B. Mendez

Bachelor of Architecture Theses - 5th Year

Healthcare environments become a vital component in patient outcomes, particularly in Cancer Care Facilities, where the emotional and physical requirements of treatment are profound. Exploring how the reconsideration of cancer care facilities can reshape the patient’s experience and improve the healing outcomes. Traditional clinical spaces, often sterile and impersonal, can increase patient stress, anxiety, and discomfort. Cancer care facilities in the Atlanta region are struggling to meet the demands of modern cancer treatment due to architectural limitations such as overcrowded spaces, inefficient layouts, and a lack of patient-centered environments. How can the integration and experience of Biophilic Design Principles bridge …

Implementation Of An Evidence-Based Hearing Education Project For Patients And Their Care Partners, Jennifer Mahoney

Doctoral Projects

Hearing loss is a significant communication issue that impacts relationships, safety, and mental and physical health. There is an increased risk of dementia as well as increased mortality associated with untreated hearing loss. Hearing aids are one of the main treatments for hearing loss, but they are frequently not used. Cognitive impairment, osteoarthritis of the hands, cost and complexity are some of the reasons that hearing aids do not get utilized. But research has shown that involving family members and care partners in trainings on how to use hearing aids may increase use of them. The goal of this project …

Staff Education On The Importance Of Polypharmacy Management, Ronie Emmanuel

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This DNP project was a staff education created to address the practice problem of staff knowledge deficit around polypharmacy management in an outpatient internal medicine clinic. Inadequate staff education and inconsistent use of validated tools contribute to medication errors, adverse drug events, and fragmented care, thereby increasing health care costs and patient risk. The practice-focused question was: Will staff education on the importance of polypharmacy management increase staff knowledge? The purpose of this education project was to implement and evaluate a targeted staff education program focused on polypharmacy risks, safe prescribing practices, and the application of evidence-based strategies, such as …

Blood Architecture : Designing A Hemophilia Treatment Center Through Biomimetic Principles, Melissa Da Costa Schmidt

Bachelor of Architecture Theses - 5th Year

This thesis explores how biomimetic principles drawn from the blood clotting process can inform the architectural design of hemophilia treatment centers, enhancing their efficiency, adaptability, and patient-centered care. By paralleling the phases of hemostasis—platelet aggregation, clotting factor activation, and fibrin stabilization—with spatial functions, the design proposes a layout where acute care areas are centrally positioned for rapid response, while rehabilitation zones support long-term healing, mirroring the reinforcement phase of clotting. Regulated movement and spatial zoning echo the precise control of clot formation, promoting accessibility, privacy, and reduced congestion. Architectural forms inspired by vascular networks, combined with the use of natural …

Speech Stigma: Exploring Predictors Of Attitudes Toward Nonspeaking Autistic Individuals, Kate Herrmann

Honors College Theses

Roughly 30% of autistic individuals are nonspeaking, meaning they do not (or very minimally) communicate with speech. Many nonspeaking individuals have the ability to communicate with others by using augmentative and alternative communication, such as speech-generating devices or communication boards. The purpose of this study was to examine the attitudes of speaking individuals toward nonspeaking autistic people through a survey measuring attitudes and stigma toward nonspeaking people, autistic people, and disabled people, respectively. Predictors of attitudes, such as contact, knowledge, gender, and psychological inflexibility were examined. It was hypothesized that participants who have more contact with and knowledge of nonspeaking, …

The Effects Of Healthcare Professionals Wearing Nail Enhancements, Sydney Johnson

Honors Capstones

Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) continue to be a major concern in hospital settings, with one in thirty-one patients affected daily in the United States (CDC, 2020). While hand hygiene is widely promoted, the impact of nail enhancements worn by healthcare workers is often overlooked. Acrylics, gels, and other artificial nails can harbor bacteria even after handwashing and glove use, increasing the risk of infection transmission.

The purpose of this study was to explore whether hospitals with stricter nail enhancement policies have better staff hygiene practices and potentially lower rates of HAIs. This research used an original survey distributed to registered nurses …

Integrating Nature And Creativity: Exploring The Therapeutic Potential Of Expressive Arts Therapy In Eco-Retreats, Concetta Codding

Expressive Therapies Theses

This capstone examines the therapeutic potential of integrating expressive arts therapy and eco-therapy in immersive retreat settings. It highlights how combining creative expression with nature-based practices can holistically address emotional well-being, promote self-discovery, and foster communal support. Drawing on current research and insights from both brief and extended retreats, the study emphasizes the synergistic benefits of practices such as somatic movement, yoga, art-making, journaling, and guided engagement with the natural environment. Qualitative research and observations indicate that participants experience enhanced creativity, emotional release, a deeper connection to nature, and increased mindfulness. These outcomes are linked to trauma-informed approaches and an …

The Role Of The Jester: The Subversive Power Of Humor And Performance In Challenging Misogyny, Sarah E. Price

Expressive Therapies Theses

Humor has long occupied a complicated place in systems of power, sometimes reinforcing oppressive norms and other times offering a way to push back against them. This thesis explores how the archetype of the jester can be used in drama therapy to help individuals reclaim agency within misogynistic structures. Drawing from role theory, feminist performance studies, and Theatre of the Oppressed, the project examines how jestering, through satire, parody, and play, can act as a vehicle for resistance, healing, and empowerment. A review of existing literature shows that while humor has historically been used to uphold patriarchal norms, it has …

Exploring Dance/Movement Therapy Through An Existential-Feminist Lens For Perimenopausal Individuals In The Post-Covid Digital Age: A Literature Review, Karen Schmitz

Expressive Therapies Theses

The goal of this thesis was to understand the impact that perimenopause and the COVID-19 pandemic have on individuals and how existential theory and dance/movement therapy can be applied to enhance quality of life. The literature review first explores historical and current contexts of perimenopause. The second section covers the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on caregiving individuals, particularly women. Subsequent sections introduce existential theory and dance/movement therapy frameworks, with a concentration on relevant concepts for the specified population. Research shows that during the COVID-19 pandemic, external pressures around appearance, reproductive value, and the societal expectations of women intensified. Overall, …

Using Expressive Arts Therapy With Autistic Children To Help Regulate And Build Coping Skills: A Literature Review, Swara Swaminathan

Expressive Therapies Theses

This literature review is about whether we can use Expressive Arts Therapy with autistic children to regulate and build coping skills. The author could not find articles that covers the entire topic, but she split the topic in terms of autism in India and various application of Expressive Arts Therapy globally. She was able to find Expressive Arts Therapy or Creative Arts Therapy was helpful to autistic children, or children with trauma. She could also notice the stigma of autism in India in some of the articles.

Dance/Movement Therapy As A Potential Complimentary Treatment For Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome: A Literature Review, Ashley H. Marsden

Expressive Therapies Theses

Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) is a debilitating condition predominantly affecting younger individuals, marked by extreme heart rate fluctuations, fatigue, and cognitive disturbances. This literature review explores the multifaceted nature of POTS, emphasizing the need for effective management strategies that incorporate both pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions. It highlights the promising role of Dance/Movement Therapy (DMT) as a complementary treatment, which fosters emotional expression and enhances physical well-being. By synthesizing current research on POTS, pharmacological options, and innovative non-pharmacological therapies like DMT, this review advocates for a holistic approach to POTS management that recognizes the complexities of the disorder and addresses …

As If We Could Get Along: Dramatic Reality’S Influence On The Prosociality Of Adolescent Boys With Problematic Sexual Behavior, Joel David Bender

Expressive Therapies Theses

There is a strong need for novel treatment approaches for adolescents with problematic sexual behavior (PSB), considering that historically, treatment approaches for adult sex offenders have been blindly applied to youth. Adolescent boys with PSB are at risk for poor treatment outcomes when they engage in anti-social behaviors and group hostility. Dramatic reality, a core process in drama therapy, may assist in transforming the experience of boys in their capacity to exhibit prosocial behavior, given that dramatic reality inherently augments reality. This community arts workshop used purposive sampling in a day treatment center for adolescent boys with PSB and explored …

Communing With Lions: A Critical Literature Review Exploring Pan-Asian Lion Dance Traditions Through The Lens Of Expressive Arts Therapy, Sarah T. Ngo

Expressive Therapies Theses

Lion dancing is a cultural art form practiced in numerous Asian and Asian diasporic cultures across the world. While the dance has been studied both in a historical and ethnographic manner, little research exists on its therapeutic benefits. This capstone thesis explores lion dancing through the lens of the expressive arts therapies to uncover the therapeutic factors underlying the practice. It applies the Chadian dance/movement therapy framework as well as various expressive arts therapy frameworks to the lion dance. The literature review indicates that lion dancing has the potential to be therapeutic in a number of ways, which include: 1) …

Staff Education To Early Detection And Response To Patient Decline, Kein Gareth Rufino Pantaleon

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This doctoral project implemented a staff education program to enhance early recognition and escalation of patient deterioration. Conducted at a 343-bed acute care hospital, the initiative addressed the ongoing problem of delayed detection and response to clinical decline, which often results in rapid response team activations and code blue events. Delays in intervention increase patient morbidity and mortality, despite many of these events being preventable through timely action. The project evaluated whether an interactive targeted education program could improve nursing staff’s knowledge, confidence, and willingness to activate escalation protocols, including Condition H and Code Help. Pre- and post-education surveys were …