Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Student Perceptions On Career Decision Making Skills In Relation To The Covid-19 Pandemic, Emily G. Oliver

Honors College Theses

The Covid-19 pandemic had major ramifications on all areas of the professional world as well. As mandatory quarantines and shutdowns were implemented, the negative effects were widespread and everyone was impacted. People from all different career fields faced unforeseen circumstances that caused anxiety about their income and workplace stability. With all of these changes in the world, students who were in high school and first years of college still had to make a decision about their future and what they wanted to do for an occupation one day. This study aims to evaluate the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on …

Dietary Patterns And Their Effects On C-Reactive Protein Regarding Female Reproductive Disorders, Mckenzie Moe

Theses and Dissertations

Objectives: Chronic inflammation, as indicated by elevated C-reactive protein (CRP), plays a critical role in women’s reproductive health disorders. CRP is one of the most common biomarkers of inflammation. Dietary components, lifestyle factors, and women’s reproductive health disorders are major components that influence the levels of CRP within the body. Other influential factors include injury, infection, and illness. The purpose of this review is to explore the findings of literature available on nutrition interventions for CRP levels in consideration of women's reproductive disorders.

Methods: This narrative review examines the works of 15 articles, including 10 cross-sectional and five longitudinal designs. …

The Role Of Almonds In Exercise Recovery And Athletic Performance, Kathryn M. Trochman

Theses and Dissertations

Objectives: During exercise, many trained athletes and physically active adults experience symptoms of exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD). The effects of EIMD can cause limitations in athletic performance and increased duration of exercise recovery. Nutritional interventions have shown results in improving the duration of recovery. However, there are few studies completed on common food items. This review aims to examine the role of almonds in exercise recovery and athletic performance. Methods: A literature search was conducted utilizing Google Scholar, PubMed, CINAHL Ultimate, and reference hand searching. The search parameters included the dietary intervention of almonds for trained athletes and physically active …

Surgical Smoke Evacuation Quality Improvement Project, Angela Howell

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Capstones

Abstract

Background: Surgical smoke is a byproduct produced during surgical procedures when high-energy producing devices are used to vaporize tissue. This smoke poses health risk to anyone present in the operating room.

Purpose: The purpose of this quality improvement (QI) project was to educate and minimize the exposure of both staff and patients to the hazardous toxic fumes and vapors produced by energy-generating electrocautery devices.

Methods: The intervention based on the Kim Ball Smoke Evacuation Compliance Model was implemented in a large military hospital with 20 operating rooms and three labor and delivery suites. Implementation included formal education strategies, equipment …

Voting Rights Expansion To Achieve Voting Equity, Emily Tuller

Honors Theses

Socioeconomic disparities often correlate with lower voter participation, potentially leading to underrepresentation of disadvantaged communities in policy decisions. Michigan's recent voting rights expansion aims to increase accessibility and participation. This study examined the relationship between county-level poverty and voter turnout and assesses the impact of expanded voting rights on turnout in Michigan's poorest counties. We conducted a retrospective analysis comparing voter turnout data from the 2020 and 2024 elections, obtained from the Michigan Secretary of State website. Counties’ median household income data were obtained from County Health Rankings to identify high- and low-income counties. We conducted a correlation analysis to …

Deaf Community, Cochlear Implants, And Language Access, Amelia Segroves

Honors Theses

This thesis looks at how getting a cochlear implant can affect a Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing person’s identity, language development, and sense of belonging. It compares people who see deafness as part of a rich culture (big “D” Deaf) with those who see it more as a medical condition (little “d” deaf). By reviewing studies and articles, the research explores how early exposure to language, school environments, and family choices influence how people communicate and see themselves.

This thesis looks at how getting a cochlear implant can affect a Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing person’s identity, language development, and sense of belonging. It …

Advancing Scoliosis Care Through Pilates Training, Certification, And Outreach Initiatives, Jaryn Toms

OTD Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone project was completed in collaboration with Spiral Spine Pilates (SSP), a Pilates studio specializing in scoliosis that serves clients from adolescents to older adults. SSP offers virtual and in-person private lessons, group classes, teacher training, and a scoliosis-focused retreat. These services are designed to educate individuals with scoliosis and movement practitioners on evidence-based, functional correction movements that support daily living. The primary objective of this project was to expand SSP’s educational reach through the development of new Pilates training, certifications, and outreach efforts. The primary outcome included the creation of an online certification program eligible for continuing …

The Effect Of Female Athlete Menstrual Cycles On Their Athletic Performance, Millie Allgood

Honors Theses

Previous research studying the effects of the menstrual cycle on athletic performance has focused on women who do not participate in any athletic activity or participate at a recreational or professional level (Dupuit et al., 2023; Ekenros et al., 2022). Few studies have tested collegiate athletes and those which have examined theoretical effects or psychological impacts rather than direct performance outcomes (Carmichael et al., 2021). It is widely agreed upon that reproductive hormones have broad influences throughout the body including body composition, response to stress, appetite, energy expenditure, and blood-glucose regulation. These factors directly contribute to physiological abilities such as …

Prenatal Exercise: The Importance Of Patient-Provider Communication, Stephanie Patton

Doctorate in Kinesiology

There is a low adherence to prenatal exercise guidelines which may be affected by several barriers including a lack of knowledge regarding the benefits to, safety of, and general guidelines for prenatal exercise. This study sought to investigate the communication that occurs in prenatal appointments and the barriers associated with low exercise rates. Data was collected from 54 pregnant and postpartum women between the ages of 18-40 through an anonymous survey and analyzed through SPSS software. Twenty-four (44.4%) respondents indicated discussion regarding exercise recommendations occurred and five (9.3%) shared that resources for exercise recommendations were provided. Twenty-three (42.6%) participants were …

Launching A Neonatal Resuscitation Escape Room To Combat High Infant Mortality Rates In South India: A Quality Improvement Project, Ellen M. Campos, Kathryn L. Dambrino Dr., Jennifer Sternberg Dr., Taryn Mccoy, Shelby L. Garner Dr., Kendell Natt, Lyn S. Prater Dr., R. David Phillippi Dr., Weiming Ke Dr., Leena Lourduswamy Dr., Sheela Victor Dr., Vernonsiya Kirubha, Beth Hallmark Dr., Julie Honey Dr.

DNP Projects

Background: In South India, infant mortality rates are high, and nurses require advanced training to respond to infants in fetal distress. Evidence shows that improved nurse competency in neonatal resuscitation and the ability of students to recognize and respond to distressed infants have led to decreased infant mortality rates.

Purpose: The purpose of this quality improvement project was to design and implement a simulated escape room to improve neonatal resuscitation outcomes among undergraduate students in South India.

Methods: A quantitative descriptive design was used. N=310 undergraduate nursing students from six schools in India participated in a simulated neonatal resuscitation (NNR) …

Nursing Educators’ Perceptions Of Using Virtual Simulated Games In Nursing Education, Ruhee Waheeda Mir

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Nursing educators of Trinidad and Tobago have limited experience with virtual simulated games (VSGs) as a part of their teaching methodology. This lack of experience was highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic as educators had to use virtual approaches in their classrooms and struggled with unfamiliar technologies. The purpose of this qualitative descriptive study, guided by the extended technology acceptance model, was to explore the perceptions of Trinidadian and Tobagonian nursing educators regarding the use of a VSG as a teaching tool. The sample consisted of eight nursing educators from an educational institute in Trinidad who met the criteria of being …

An Exploration Of The Use Of Tier I Occupational Therapy Services In An Elementary School, Emilee Schumacher

Honors Theses

This project aimed to explore how and to what extent school-based occupational therapists implement Tier 1 interventions within an elementary school setting. The research involved conducting interviews with occupational therapists and observing their interactions with students to better understand the scope and nature of the services they provide. During the project, several Tier 1 services were identified, with a particular focus on addressing fine motor skills, social-emotional development, and gross motor skills. Several benefits of implementing tier 1 services in the school setting were identified. The challenges school-based occupational therapy practitioners face when implementing Tier 1 services in the elementary …

Enhancing Trauma-Informed Care Through The Creation Of Motivational Interviewing Training For Staff Of A Homeless Shelter For Lgbtq+ Young Adults, Olivia R. Ming

OTD Capstone Projects

This doctoral project was completed in collaboration with Nashville Launch Pad (NLP), a nonprofit homeless shelter serving LGBTQ+ young adults and their allies, ages 18–26, in Middle Tennessee. The primary aim of the project was to develop and implement a staff training program that covered several key areas: an introduction to motivational interviewing and its practical application in all 3 NLP settings; an overview of occupational therapy (OT) and its relevance within this setting; the impact of trauma on the body and brain; compassion fatigue; sensory processing differences; and how developmental milestones can be disrupted by trauma, substance use, and …

Staff Update On Type 2 Diabetes Education, Toochukwu Endaline Mba

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The current rise in Type 2 diabetes among middle-aged individuals poses significant risks of health complications such as kidney damage, heart disease, stroke, nerve damage, vision loss, and skin problems. Research has shown that proper education on the causes and risk factors of Type 2 diabetes would increase people’s knowledge about the medical problem, helping promote positive health outcomes. This project was a staff education program using didactic and interactive case studies.

Clinical Practice Guideline Workflow For Medication Prescription, Patience Morikang

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The type of project was a clinical practice guideline (CPG) workflow for medication prescriptions. The practice problem was the lack of an evidence-based approach regarding medication prescriptions, resulting in increased errors. It is essential to address this problem to promote safe prescribing, increase team knowledge, and encourage patient safety in the organization and within nursing practice. The practice focused question was the following: Will a clinical practice guideline for medication prescription workflow be approved by experts for use in an outpatient mental health clinic to promote the reduction of errors? The project aimed to seek expert approval of a CPG …

Zonal Hepatocellular Responses To Acute Ethanol: Impacts On Mitochondrial Function And Metabolism, Matthew T. Savoca

MUSC Theses and Dissertations

Background: Ethanol (EtOH) consumption causes hepatocellular mitochondrial depolarization (mtDepo) and mitophagy. Here, the Aims were to develop techniques to characterize sublobular hepatocellular metabolism and the distribution of mtDepo and mitophagy after acute EtOH. Methods: Wildtype and GFP-LC3 transgenic mice were treated with EtOH or vehicle and administered the covalently labeling mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨ) reporter, MitoTracker Red (MTR), and/or the non-covalent ΔΨ reporter, rhodamine 123 (Rh123), prior to intravital imaging, liver fixation, or hepatocyte isolation. After in vivo MTR, hepatocytes were isolated and sorted. Enrichment in E-cadherin (ECAD) and cytochrome P4502E1 in periportal (PP) and pericentral (PC) hepatocytes, respectively, validated …

Evidence-Based Practice Guidelines For Perioperative Insulin Pump Usage And Glycemic Control During The Perioperative Period, Duane Robinson

Doctor of Nursing Practice Scholarly Projects

According to the International Diabetes Federation, Diabetes Mellitus (DM) affects approximately 537 million people, representing approximately 10% of the worldwide population aged 20 to 79. Approximately 400,000 people with DM use continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) pumps. CSII pump therapy mimics pancreatic insulin release, aiding in maintaining adequate insulin levels. Individuals with DM are more likely to require surgery than individuals without the disease. Among diabetics, people with Type 1 DM (T1D) are more likely to need medical interventions than individuals with Type 2 DM (T2DM). CSII therapy maintains blood glucose levels within a programmed range and decreases blood glucose …

Themes Of Moral Injury In The Field Of Asl Interpreting, Samantha Michaelson

Undergraduate University Honors Capstones

This research project explores connections between a moral injury framework and the recognition and mitigation of ethical stress and trauma experienced by ASL-English interpreters. I have employed strategies such as thick description, textual analysis, and a narrative synthesis of existing literature on moral injury and ethical stress in interpreting to arrive at my findings. The study explains Demand Control Schema (DCS) and the Code of Professional Conduct (CPC) as valuable tools for interpreters to discuss and address ethical stresses that arise in their work. Additionally, I examine the concept of role space and its relevance to the experience of ethical/moral …

Staff Education For Nursing Staff, Tina Clarke Cherry

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Executive Summary: Staff Education Project

Nanopore Sequencing For The Detection And Preliminary Identification Of Viruses In Amblyomma Americanum L. (Acari: Ixodidae), Mary Katherine Humphrey, Lorenza Beati, Ella Zierdt, Saviour Dralabu

Honors College Theses

Hard-bodied ticks are known to carry a wide range of viruses, some of which can cause human diseases. In the U.S., the tick Amblyomma americanum is an important disease vector. The tick has recently expanded its distribution range and its abundance is rising in many areas of the U.S. Its virome is, however, largely underexplored. In this preliminary study, we used a Nanopore MinION sequencer to detect and identify the viral fauna in nymphal ticks (n=43) collected in Statesboro, GA. Extracted DNA and RNA were analyzed separately. Nucleic acids were pooled into 6 groups according to their collection dates and …

Staff Education To Structured Bedside Handoff, Kevin Omwanghe

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Nursing bedside handover (NBH) strategies as a nursing practice is often implemented at the patient’s bedside to improve communication safety during the shift change. This practice is vulnerable due to inconsistent application among nurses. This staff education Doctor of Nursing Education project consisted of interviews with staff to explore the barriers to successfully implementing a bedside nurse handoff approach in an intermediate care unit and introducing a staff education program to increase staff knowledge of NBH. Ten registered nurses participated in this project. Results of the pre-education program survey revealed that 100% of the participants had participated in interviews related …

Complexity, Coordination, And The Politics Of Global Health Emergencies: Institutions, Actors, And Responses, Jennifer M. Kerner

Political Science ETDs

This dissertation examines the politics of global health emergencies through three interconnected studies. First, it analyzes the declaration of Public Health Emergencies of International Concern (PHEICs), revealing that while World Health Organization (WHO) protocols influence decisions, political factors may also play a role. Second, a case study of the 2014 Ebola outbreak explores the complexities of international response coordination. It highlights the importance of established protocols, clear leadership, and effective communication, while also noting the challenges posed by resource constraints and inter-organizational dynamics. Third, the research investigates the impact of military involvement in global health emergencies. It reveals that military …

The Impact Of Energy Intake And Macronutrient Distribution On Recovery Rates In Young Women With Functional Hypothalamic Amenorrhea, Hadley Day, Rebecca Lyons, Taylor Vas

Department of Nutrition Student Projects

Functional hypothalamic amenorrhea (FHA) is characterized by irregular or absent menstrual cycles due to disturbances in the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axis. Young women ages 18-25 are particularly vulnerable to FHA, which can have long-term consequences on bone health, fertility, and overall well-being. While meeting energy needs is essential for recovery, the question arises of whether different macronutrient distributions within an energy-sufficient diet influence the recovery rate. This study aims to evaluate the impact of varying macronutrient compositions on the recovery of young women with FHA. The study will be conducted using a randomized controlled trial design to examine whether diets with …

Empowering Coaches: Building A Resource Hub For Accessibility, Inclusion, And Preparedness, Emily F. Mcguckin

OTD Capstone Projects

Flip for Function is a therapeutic gymnastics and adaptive athletics organization that incorporates occupational therapy throughout to promote self-confidence and play for children with disabilities. The purpose of this doctoral capstone was to create a resource guide and kit to assist coaches in being prepared in an inclusive environment. This capstone project focused on creating a physical and electronic deliverable of gymnastics drills and strategies, and a coach’s kit. The physical deliverable contained a list of drills for various gymnastics skills on vault/trampoline, bars, beam and floor with explanations on how to complete each drill and adaptations, as well as …

Impact Of Hidden Populations Through Faculty Identification And Intervention In Higher Education, Jimmie K. Wetmore

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

College students who have endured trauma through experiences in the foster care system, homelessness, justice system involvement, poverty, violence, and/or abuse are at greater risk of not completing college and returning to the circumstances that perpetrated their initial traumas. These students are known as “hidden populations.” Mentorship and resources can help these students to break the social and economic cycles that have placed them in a high-risk category. Higher education faculty are in a unique position to help bridge the gap that exists for these students. The problem can be impacted by more faculty being aware of the population and …

Improving Same-Day Access To Highly Effective Contraceptives In Middle Tennessee, Jillian Gunderson, Elizabeth Morse, David Phillippi

DNP Projects

Project Title: Improving Same-day Access To Highly Effective Contraceptives In Middle Tennessee

Background and Rationale: Long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARC) are highly effective at preventing pregnancy at 99%. A two-visit protocol is a known barrier to access. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends same-day placement to increase access to LARC. A Step Ahead Middle Tennessee (ASA) is a non-profit organization partnered with Belmont University that provides free, long-acting reversible contraceptives. However, most ASA clinical partners offer services with a two-visit protocol, and there is no process to identify patient preference for same-day placement.

Purpose: The primary purpose of this …

Food Allergies On The College Campus: Increasing Awareness, Kelly Wagner

DNP Projects

Project Title: Food Allergies on the College Campus: Increasing Awareness

Background and Rationale: The prevalence of food allergies in the United States is high and continues to increase, affecting approximately 32 million people (10.8% of the population). Food allergies are a chronic disease, and students transitioning to college are in the age group that experiences the highest rate of lethal anaphylactic reactions related to food allergies. Current best practice guidelines recommend that colleges should have a comprehensive, campus-wide approach to food allergy awareness, management, and emergency protocol. At a midsize southeastern university, there was no campus-wide approach to addressing the …

Determinants Of Neuronal Viability Following Spreading Depolarization, Michael C. Bennett

Biomedical Sciences ETDs

Spreading depolarizations (SDs) are massive, slowly propagating waves that cause near-complete neuroglial depolarization and are energetically demanding for the brain. Past studies have established SDs as key contributors to secondary injury in tissue that lacks the metabolic supply to meet the energetic burden of repolarization after SD. Efforts to identify the mechanisms that cause deleterious consequences following SD have been ongoing, with significant results showing that blocking excitotoxic levels of Ca²⁺ from entering neurons through NMDA receptors prevents detrimental outcomes. While these studies have advanced the field, other mechanisms may also contribute to the metabolic burden of SD. This …

Maternal Carbohydrate-Controlled Diets And The Impact On Neonatal Hypoglycemia Rates, Jenna L. Klopping

Student Scholarly Projects

Practice Problem: Neonatal hypoglycemia has a profound impact on the diabetic maternal infant dyad and their families. The practice problem negatively affects the quality of care offered by healthcare providers, while also imposing a financial burden on the healthcare system that extends well beyond the perinatal period.

PICOT: In term infants born to diabetic mothers (P), does a regular carbohydrate-controlled diet given at least 8 hours prior to birth (I) in comparison to a clear liquid carbohydrate-controlled diet (C) reduce the incidence of neonatal hypoglycemia at two hours of life(O) across an 8-week period(T)?

Evidence: A medical nutrition diet, such …

The Impact Of Paternal Obesity On Placental Development And Function During Pregnancy, Delaney G. Wolfe, Delaney G. Wiolfe

Department of Nutrition Student Projects

Paternal obesity is a rising concern in conception and reproductive health, with increasing evidence suggesting its impact on pregnancy outcomes. While maternal obesity's effects on fetal development and placental function are well-documented, the role of paternal obesity remains less understood. The placenta, crucial for nutrient exchange and fetal development, can be disrupted by inflammation, oxidative stress, and epigenetic modifications, potentially leading to long-term health implications for both maternal and fetal health. Understanding the paternal influence on placental development is essential for improving pregnancy outcomes and offspring
health. This study aims to investigate the relationship between paternal obesity on placental function …