Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Evaluation Of Strategies To Enhance Nclex-Rn Success, Joyce Barnby

Master's Projects

Successful performance on the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) is a measure of competence indicating that newly licensed nurses have attained standards to ensure safe nursing practice. Concerned about a declining pass rate, one urban state university implemented multiple strategies over a period of time in order to enhance the success rate of frrst-time test-takers. The purpose of this research project was to focus on the state university's NCLEX-RN pass rates for frrst-time candidates, examined and evaluated new implemented strategies, and determined how the interventions influenced these pass rates. Data were collected using retrospective existing records on …

The Use Of Complementary And Alternative Medicine For Menopausal Symptoms Among Chinese-American Women, Rebecca Kwai-Ying Chung

Master's Projects

The objectives of this research were to study the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) for menopausal symptoms among Chinese-American women, and to examine the correlation between CAM use, acculturation, and CAM insurance coverage. The study revealed that Chinese-American women experience menopausal symptoms even when they still have regular menstrual cycles. Early education on women's health, especially about menopause, is recommended. A significant correlation was found between the women being asked by their health care providers regarding CAM use, and open discussion regarding the women's CAM use with their health care providers (p<0.05). The researchers suggest that health care providers ask their patients about their CAM use in order to encourage open discussion of CAM use with their patients.

Views About Health Of Russian-Americans Living In Central California, Mark Fiterman

Master's Projects

This quantitative research explored the health views of Russian-Americans to discover information about the health needs of this population. Data were collected via a demographic form and a tool, SF-36 Health Survey. 46 respondents participated and returned completed packets. Results were scored in eight scales representing two different groups of health measurement, physical health and mental health. The scores for each scale and group were compared to the nonn-based scoring for general U.S. population. The mean for the physical component summary (PCS) was 33.31, and the mean for the mental health summary (MCS) was 48.53 indicating that the physical health …

The Use Of The "Get Up And Go Test" As The Initial Screening Measure For Fall Risk With Community Dwelling Seniors, Margaret E. Hermoso

Master's Projects

Falls represent a sizeable public health issue that has serious health-related consequences for both the individual and the medical system at large. Falls are one of the most common events that threaten the independence of older persons with one third of falls occurring in persons over the age of 65 and over 50% in persons over the age of 80 years (2). During an office appointment, senior adults are screened routinely for blood pressure, weight, medication adherence and lab result follow-up. One assessment that is commonly overlooked is evaluating seniors for fall risk. The purpose of this study was to …

English Language Acculturation And Academic Achievement Among Junior Year Nursing Students, Leah Lukrich

Master's Projects

Efforts to alleviate the current nursing shortage have focused on recruitment and retention of diverse nursing students. Language acculturation has been identified in the literature as one predictor of academic achievement (Salamonson et al, 2008) PURPOSE: This study examined the relationship between pathophysiology and pharmacology grades and scores on the English Language Acculturation Scale (ELAS) survey for junior-level nursing students (N = 65). The relationship between years living in the United States (U.S.) and pathophysiology and pharmacology grades was examined also. RESULTS: ELAS scores ranged from 7-25, with a mean of22 (SD = 4.27). No statistically significant correlation was found …

Role Strain Of Nursing Students In Obstetrical Clinical Rotations: Is Role Strain Greater For Male Students?, Teri A. Lind

Master's Projects

As increasing numbers of men enter the career of nursing, it is important that nursing educators identify areas of role strain and learning needs that may be different from their female counterparts This research project examined the role strain factors of nursing students who have completed the maternaVnewbom (obstetrical) clinical experience in a baccalaureate nursing program. The research question addressed in this research project was: Do male nursing students experience greater role strain than female nursing students in the matemaVnewbom setting? A convenience sample of male students (N=23) and a random sampling of female students (N=23) participated in this study. …

Productivity Environmental Preference Survey (Peps) Of Undergraduate Nursing Students - A Generational Perspective, Susana Machado

Master's Projects

A change in the generational demographics of college students is occurring throughout the United States. By 2012, the number of Millennial students, those born from 1982 to 2003, will jump from 44 percent to 75 percent of the total college enrollment. It has been suggested that their methods of learning are different from those of previous generations. The purpose of this study was to identify and compare individual productivity and learning style preferences of undergraduate nursing students that fall into the Generation X and Millennial age cohort. Using the Dunn & Dunn Learning Style Model and the Productivity Environmental Preferences …

Effects Of Dichotic Interaural Intensity Difference Training On Children With Auditory Processing Deficits, Kaylah Lynn Lalonde

Honors Capstones

No abstract provided.

Class Size And Nursing Students' Perception Of Empowerment, Cynthia T. Keane

Master's Projects

Due to increases in enrollment and budget cuts in many states, college class sizes are reaching unprecedented sizes (Carpenter, 2006). Nursing schools are facing the same challenges. Only limited research has been conducted on the effects of class size on nursing students' perception of empowerment Conger (1989) defines empowerment as the act of reinforcing one's belief in his or her perception of competence. Empowerment is important for nursing students' education (Chally, 1992). To achieve the optimal learning experience in face of increasing class size, it is important to explore how nursing students experience learning in both small and large class …

Assessing Culture Competence Among Nurses In An Acute Care Setting, Maleka Virani

Master's Projects

The aim of the study was to assess cultural competence among nurses in an acute care setting. A 25-item questionnaire developed by Campinha-Bacote (2003) titled Inventory to Assess Cultural Competence Among Health Care Providers (IAPCC-R) along with a demographic survey were utilized to assess cultural competence among 100 nurses in an acute care hospital. The results of the study indicated that 70% of nurses (n=63) were culturally aware and 30% (n=27) were culturally competent. There was no statistical significance between the level of cultural competence and years of experience, educational degree or self rating of 'being culturally competent'. The findings …

Self-Directed Learning Readiness Of Baccalaureate Of Science In Nursing (Bsn) Students, Saba Bayanzai

Master's Projects

One of the goals of nursing programs is to prepare students to be self-directed learners and assist them to meet the challenges in today's healthcare environment. Self direction is critical for lifelong learning, and it is imperative that nurses continue their education in order to provide high quality and competent care to patients. Students enter nursing programs with learning styles already established. Nursing faculty presuppose that the learning environment will be mutually respected, collaborative, and supportive. A clash between student learning styles and faculty teaching styles can have a great impact on the ultimate success of the student. This study …

Women, Birth Control Pills, And Thrombophilia: An Analysis Of Risk Communication, Kerry Gomer

All Theses

The Surgeon General recently issued a call to action to reduce the incidents of blood clots, which can cause pulmonary embolism, deep vein thrombosis, and stroke. This research study was conducted to assess what risk information is available to women regarding thrombosis (blood clots) and thrombophilia (clotting disorders) in combination with birth control pills, what women know about this issue, and how to increase this awareness. A media analysis showed that very little information is available to women about thrombosis and thrombophilia with regard to birth control pills. It also demonstrated that the information that is available is often inadequate …

Cooking With A Chef: A Culinary Nutrition Intervention For College Aged Students, Andrew Warmin

All Theses

The primary objective of this study is to provide evidence that a culinary nutrition intervention is appropriate for, and of value to college students. A secondary objective is to provide evidence that the nutrition component of a culinary nutrition course can be delivered online through an interactive presentation. The study initially involved a review of literature highlighting the nutrition habits of college students, the strengths and weakness of existing cooking and nutrition classes, and other factors relating to the college student's health. Based on this literature review it was determined that a culinary nutrition course is an appropriate way to …

Development And Psychometric Evaluation Of The Provider Response To Emergency Pandemic (Prep) Tool, Linda Suzzanne Good Phd

Dissertations

Background: History and science would suggest that a worldwide influenza pandemic is near and its implications are on the minds of healthcare workers (HCWs). Previous studies revealed that HCW have loss-related fears and concerns associated with working during a disaster, especially one with a biologic component. Most healthcare organizations have well-crafted disaster plans in place; however, these plans often rely on the assumption that HCWs will report to work as usual, which may not be the case. Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine if HCWs' fears and concerns are a predictor of their willingness to report to …

Mesiodistal Crown Size In Relation To The Risk And Severity Of Malocclusion, Jon Robert Zang-Bodis

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

From among numerous potential causes of dental malocclusion, tooth size has been implicated as one factor. Prior studies show that mesiodistally larger teeth increase the risk of malocclusion. The present report extends our understanding by testing for graded responses between crown size and the extent of dental malocclusion. Maximum mesiodistal crown dimensions of all 14 permanent tooth types (excluding third molars) were measured in 207 American white adolescents (routine orthodontic patients), and 10 measures of malocclusion (e.g., rotations, displacements, spacing) were recorded. Analysis of covariance (controlling for sexual dimorphism in tooth size) disclosed (1) significant positive associations between …

Impact Of Cost Sharing Levels On Adherence To Controller Drugs And Consequent Outcomes Among Asthma Patients, Varun Vaidya

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

Prescription drug cost sharing is an effective tool to reduce the excessive drug consumption. However, many times it could have a negative impact on the drug utilization especially in case of chronic conditions. Chronic conditions such as asthma require appropriate utilization of controller medication to keep the inflammation and symptoms under control. Literature on asthma drug utilization has consistently reported underuse of controller drugs among asthma patients. The present study attempted to investigate the impact of prescription drug cost sharing levels on the controller adherence among the privately insured asthma population with moderate persistent asthma. The study also analyzed the …

Using Art Therapy To Increase Self-Efficacy Beliefs Of Homeless Mothers Living In A Shelter, Mandi Elizabeth Wines

EVMS School of Health Professions Theses & Dissertations

Literature reveals that homelessness is inherently a situation where desired outcomes are less likely than unfavorable outcomes, and, as such, the concepts of learned hopelessness, disempowerment, and low self-efficacy are especially relevant. Self-efficacy has been found to affect one’s motivation, performance, coping, self-esteem, emotional arousal, and behavior. Homeless women who possess a stronger sense of self-efficacy are more likely to actively engage in employment and housing searches and spend less time in temporary shelters than those with low self-efficacy.

Although aspects of this problem have been studied no specific intervention models have proven effective in increasing homeless women’s self-efficacy. Literature …

Attachment Styles And Children In Foster Care: A Study Involving Art Therapy Evaluation, Abigail Johnson

EVMS School of Health Professions Theses & Dissertations

This case study explored the attachment style and perceptions of family, from the perspective of children in the foster care system, through the use of art therapy evaluative methods. The participants for this study included two half-sisters in the second and fourth grades. The Art Therapy-Projective Imagery Assessment (AT-PIA) was adapted and used to construct a well-rounded understanding of each client. Within the adapted AT-PIA, the Human Figure Drawing and the Bird’s Nest Drawing were evaluated using rating schemes. A dyad session was held with the two participants, where a Safe Place Sculpture was created. Review of the artwork revealed …

The Application Of Art Therapy Techniques To The Resolution Of Conflict, Maggie Hart

EVMS School of Health Professions Theses & Dissertations

Conflict is present in innumerable forms in current society. As a result, a variety of methods of conflict resolution exist, both constructive and destructive. The prevalence of conflict in our everyday lives warrants further study about improved means of resolution. Art therapy theory and techniques have much to offer the process of conflict resolution. Currently, a body of research about using art to explore past or future conflicts does exist. However, this literature lacks a thorough examination of using art in order to process and resolve current conflicts, involving all parties involved in the conflict.

The current study explores the …

Life Drawing With Gross Anatomy Medical Students And Implications For Art Therapy, Elliott Addesso

EVMS School of Health Professions Theses & Dissertations

It is important to incorporate humanities training into medical education in order to enhance the potential for humane and ethical interactions among physicians. In this study, a life drawing studio course was led by an art therapy graduate student to explore the effects of a life drawing course on medical students concurrently enrolled in Gross Anatomy. Based on students’ perceptions of their experience in the life drawing class, theoretical implications for the practice of art therapy in studio applications were discussed.

Five medical students participated in the course on a voluntary, non-credit basis. The course consisted of seven meetings and …

Identifying Biomarkers For Resistance To Novel Cisplatin Analogues In Human Lung, Breast And Prostate Cancers, Becky Michelle Hess

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Cisplatin is a common therapeutic agent used in cancer treatment. Unfortunately, resistance to cisplatin in addition to severe side effects limits its use in cancer treatment. Two novel cisplatin analogues, 4DB and 4TB were shown to have varying cytotoxicity in lung, breast and prostate cancer cells. The hypothesis for this study states that the differences in 4DB and 4TB cytotoxicity among different tissue types is due to the type and efficiency of DNA repair mechanisms involved in response to these drugs.

To test the hypothesis, proteins involved in the rate limiting step of nucleotide excision repair (NER) and mismatch repair …

A Descriptive Study Examining Motivation, Goal Orientations, Coaching, And Training Habits Of Women Ultrarunners, Rhonna Zena Krouse

Boise State University Theses and Dissertations

Ultrarunners are people who participate in running events that exceed the 26.2 mile marathon distance. Currently, women make up approximately 20% of this population. To date, no studies have investigated female ultrarunners. The present study sought to describe these women (N = 344) by evaluating motivational factors for participation, goal orientations, training habits, and coach utilization. Motivation was measured using the Motivation for Marathoners Scale (7 point Likert scale). General health orientation (M = 4.71± 1.06) and psychological coping (M = 4.71±1.03) were the two categories most endorsed whereas social motives were least endorsed (M = …

Relationship Between Parental Role-Modeling Of Physical Activity And Child's Physical Activity, Katherine Culver

Theses and Dissertations

Trends in childhood obesity have lead to a generation that has a shortened lifespan, where excessive weight may decrease life expectancy by as much as five years. Physical inactivity is a major risk factor for childhood obesity as well as cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and cancer. Addressing inactivity in children could help keep the obesity epidemic from continuing to grow as well as help address other health concerns. The specific aims of this study are 1) To examine the effect of parental role-modeling of exercise on children’s activity level by specifically looking at the role of the mother and the father, …

Novel Analogs Of M-Chlorophenylguanidine As 5-Ht3 Receptor Ligands, Katie Alix

Theses and Dissertations

Serotonin receptors play a variety of functional roles in the body. Some indications and treatment claims for one of the classes of serotonin receptors, the 5-HT3 receptor family, include: anxiety, depression, chemotherapy- and radiation-induced emesis, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, pain, drug addiction, and satiety control. A 5-HT3 receptor partial agonist, MD-354, served as a lead compound in the development of new 5-HT3 receptor ligands. Using halogenated analogs the study investigated their effect on binding to the 5-HT3 receptor. Conformationally-constrained analogs (quinazolines) were shown to be a novel class of 5-HT3 receptor antagonists. The log P values were determined for several …

History Of Pregnancy Termination As A Risk Factor For Preterm Birth, Virginia 2000-20007, Jennifer Macdonald

Theses and Dissertations

Abstract Objectives: The objective of this study was to determine if an association exists between prior induced and prior spontaneous pregnancy termination (PIPT and PSPT) and preterm birth (PTB) of first live births in Virginia. Methods: Data was collected by linking maternal data from Virginia’s live birth and fetal death registries. All first live, singleton births occurring in Virginia from 2000-2007 were analyzed. Logistic regression models that controlled for various demographic, medical and obstetric history factors were used to determine associations among prior pregnancy termination types. Results: Compared with women who had no history of previous pregnancy terminations, women who …

Correlates Of Soy Food Consumption In Adventist Health Study-2, Yen Ang

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Much has been discussed about the health benefits and risks of soy consumption but very little is known about who the consumers are. Most of what is known has been observed mainly in Asian populations who consume high levels of soy. Very little is known about soy food intake in the western population who typically has low consumption level. The Seventh-Day Adventist cohort in North America is the only population known in the West with soy food intake that is comparable to the Asian population living in the East.

Soy consumers in a population known for its healthier lifestyle and …

Role Of Spatial Organization In Erbb Receptor Family Signaling And Identification Of Erbb3 As A Potential Anticancer Target, Shujie Yang

Biomedical Sciences ETDs

The ErbB family of receptor tyrosine kinases plays an important role in the development and pathogenesis of many cancers and two of its members, ErbB1 and ErbB2, are already important cancer therapeutic targets. The first goal of this project was to evaluate novel aspects of ErbB signaling complexity, by studying fine-scale membrane organization of three ErbB receptors (ErbB1, ErbB2 and ErbB3) under conditions of receptor overexpression and ligand-induced signaling in breast cancer cells. We used innovative immunoelectron microscopy techniques to map the relative proximity of ErbB family members on SKBR3 breast cancer cell membrane sheets, before and after introduction of …

Spiritual Struggles And Self-Discrepancy, Robert Carlisle

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Spiritual Struggles occur when a person's spirituality has been threatened and must be modified or changed. Researchers explain that there are three types of struggles - divine, interpersonal and intrapersonal. In this study it was proposed that religious discrepancies could lead to spiritual struggles. There are two major types of discrepancies: actual/ideal and actual/ought. Actual/ideal discrepancies exist when there is a difference between what people think they ideally should be like and what they are actually. An actual/ought discrepancy is a difference between what people think they ought to be and what they actually are. It was proposed that religious …

Factors Influencing Nurse Faculty's Job Satisfaction And Intent To Stay, Sally Pulver Ruel

Dissertations

This study of nurse faculty examined the relationship of role conflict, role ambiguity, and work role balance, and their influence on job satisfaction and intent to stay in AACN nursing schools offering baccalaureate and higher degree programs within the United States. In light of the current nursing and nursing faculty shortage, this research was undertaken in an attempt to identify statistically significant predictors of job satisfaction and intent to stay in nursing education.

An online survey was conducted over seven weeks during the fall of 2008 and early spring 2009. A stratified random sample of each of the four regions …

Survey Of Adult Cystic Fibrosis Patients And Parents Of Cystic Fibrosis Patients On Nutrition Education, Dixie Lea Durham

Boise State University Theses and Dissertations

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an inherited disorder affecting more than 30,000 Americans, primarily Caucasians (CF Foundation, n.d.a). A defective gene on the seventh chromosome is inherited from the mother and the father. This gene causes the body to produce an abnormal protein that leads to thick, sticky mucus that is secreted by the lungs, pancreas, liver, sweat glands, and reproductive organs. The pancreas normally excretes enzymes that aid in the digestion of food, however this function is impaired in CF, and therefore CF patients must ingest replacement enzymes (CF Foundation, n.d.a). Despite advances in treatment, including replacement enzymes, under-nutrition and …