Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Effectiveness Of Interventions To Address Nursing Students' Mental Health: An Integrative Review, Aimee Dickson, Shelby Carter

Master's Projects

Background:

The rigors of the nursing school curriculum are associated with higher levels of stress, anxiety, and depression, resulting in unhealthy habits and ineffective coping strategies that lead to initial difficulties in the academic environment and burnout as professional nurses advance into their careers. This phenomenon further burdens the already taxed workforce, leading to ongoing turnover and compromising care. This integrative review aims to look at what coping strategies have proven most successful in fostering nursing students' well-being, leading to lifelong practices that promote strength while addressing the rigors of academia and, later, the workforce.

Methods:

The literature review search …

Site-Specific Prevalence Of Human Papillomavirus Infection In Malaysian Men, Mohd Khairul Anwar Shafii

Student Works (2020-2029)

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is among one of the common infections among the female population and is closely associated with cervical cancer. It has gained attention since the introduction of prophylactic HPV vaccines. However, the epidemiology of HPV infection among the male population in the Asian context remains largely unknown. The worldwide report on the prevalence of HPV infection among men varies depending on the target population and method of sampling. This study aims to determine the knowledge, and site-specific prevalence of anogenital HPV infection, and its associated factors among sexually active men in an urban middle-income Asian setting. The …

Staff Education Presentation: Addressing Polypharmacy As A Risk Factor For Falls Among Older Adults With Psychiatric Disorders, Yetunde E. Adegoroye

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The focus of this doctoral project was to address the practice problem of polypharmacy and its association with falls among older adults with psychiatric conditions. The existing evidence shows that polypharmacy, which is defined as the concurrent use of five or more medications, increases the risk of falls, which leads to hospitalization, higher healthcare costs, and reduced quality of life (Varghese et al., 2024). Within the practice setting, it is Crucial to manage polypharmacy to enhance patient safety. The purpose of this project was to enhance medical staff knowledge regarding effective evidence-based strategies for reducing polypharmacy, through an educational presentation. …

Mortality Disparities Amongst African American Infants In Wisconsin, Enica C. Saffold

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

African American mothers have the highest infant mortality rate of any other racial group, in the United States. In Milwaukee, the rates for non-Hispanic African Americans were two to three times higher than those for non-Hispanic Whites and Hispanics between 2016 and 2018. According to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services in 2022, the infant mortality rate in 2021 was 12.9 for every 1,000 live births. This cross-sectional quantitative epidemiological study explores risk factors correlated with high infant mortality rates among Wisconsin African American mothers who gave birth to live infants between 2011 and 2021. To determine whether there is …

Staff Education For Identifying And Screening Of Depression Using An Appropriate Tool In The Crisis Stabilization Unit, Esther Chiedu

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Executive Summary: Staff Education Project Staff Education for Identifying and Screening of Depression Using an Appropriate Tool In the Crisis Stabilization Unit by Esther Chiedu MS, Walden University, 2023. BS, Madonna University, 2010. Executive Summary Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Nursing Practice. Walden University November 2024

Staff Education On Antihypertensive Medication Compliance Post-Stroke, Ernestina Serwaa Bonsu

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project was staff education to address the practice problem of staff knowledge deficit related to hypertensive medications compliance for post-stroke patients. The practice question was: Will staff education on antihypertensive medication compliance enhance nursing staff knowledge? It is essential to address the practice problem and question within the context of nursing practice because studies have shown that targeted nursing education promotes patient adherence. Participants were 42 nurses from neurology units who were evaluated before and after face-to-face education sessions. Nurses completed a pre-education survey questionnaire first, followed by education sessions and a post-education survey …

Staff Education To Increase Knowledge And Awareness Of Hand Hygiene, Karamjeet Kaur

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) are a significant concern in healthcare, contributing to increased morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. Despite the effectiveness of hand hygiene in preventing HAIs, compliance among healthcare providers remains suboptimal. This Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project aimed to evaluate whether an educational intervention could improve healthcare professionals’ knowledge and awareness of hand hygiene practices in a clinical setting. A convenience sample of 11 participants attended a 10-day educational intervention. Participants completed pretests and posttests to measure knowledge and awareness. The mean pretest score for knowledge was 8.73 (SD = 1.19), while the mean posttest score was 10.00 …

Psychoeducation On Addiction For Healthcare Providers, Lovester Duncan

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Summary Walden University College of Nursing This is to certify that the doctoral study by Lovester Duncan has been found to be complete and satisfactory in all respects, and that any and all revisions required by the review committee have been made. Review Committee Dr. Kristina Bohm, Committee Chairperson, Nursing Faculty Dr. Mary Martin, Committee Member, Nursing Faculty Chief Academic Officer and Provost Sue Subocz, Ph.D. Walden University 2024 The DNP project aimed to increase healthcare providers’ knowledge, awareness, and comfort with prescribing medication-Assisted Treatments (MATs). Inadequate treatment and higher overdose and death risks result from providers lacking experience with …

Staff Education: Improving Nursing Knowledge On Patient Medication Adherence Strategies Using Teach-Back, Janie Fleming

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

A staff education program was implemented for this Doctor of Nursing Practice project to improve nursing knowledge of the teach-back method. The identified practice problem was inadequate nurse-patient communication, which contributes to low patient comprehension, poor adherence to medication regimens, and suboptimal health outcomes. The practice-focused question guiding the project was, “Does an educational program on the teach-back method for patient medication adherence improve nursing knowledge as compared pre to post education?” The purpose of the project was to enhance nurses’ knowledge and skills regarding the teach-back method to improve patient communication, ultimately leading to better patient adherence and outcomes. …

Munchausen Syndrome By Proxy Presentation, Giovanna Tomassoni, Meredith Mackenzie

Master's Projects

Munchausen syndrome by proxy (MSBP) is a serious form of child abuse in which the perpetrator is typically the victim’s maternal caregiver. Assessing for MSBP can be very challenging for medical providers due to symptom mimicry and a dearth of information about the disorder. This Integrative Review seeks to shine a light on common symptomatology of MSBP and to make sure that providers leave it on the differential diagnosis until alternative diagnoses can effectively exclude it. A total of 240 records from online databases were reviewing for content, currency, and rigor. This search was narrowed to 10 records for in-depth …

Nutrition Recommendations For Patients On Weight Loss Drugs, Crystal M. Duque Rdn-Ldn, Toye Jackman

Department of Nutrition Student Projects

This paper provides a comprehensive, evidence-based framework for dietitians counseling patients who are using GLP-1 receptor agonists, such as Ozempic and Wegovy, for weight management. These medications are rapidly gaining popularity for their effectiveness in supporting weight loss; however, they come with unique nutritional considerations that require tailored guidance. This review outlines key aspects of GLP-1 mechanisms of action, emphasizing how these medications alter digestive processes, specifically impacting the absorption and metabolism of essential macronutrients, including proteins and dietary fibers. The paper also highlights hydration needs to support optimal health and weight loss outcomes in patients on GLP-1 therapies. Additionally, …

Advance Care Planning In Rehabilitation: Training Nurses And Social Workers To Facilitate Discussions, Celeste Christiansen

Student Scholarly Projects

Practice Problem: Patients and healthcare workers fail to hold advance care planning (ACP) discussions. Social workers perceive a lack of time and feel unprepared to hold ACP conversations.

PICOT: The PICOT question that guided this project was: Do patients in acute inpatient rehabilitation (P) who receive education and resources about ACP from trained nurses and social workers (I) accept and participate in ACP (O) compared to prior standards of care (C) while on the rehabilitation unit (T)?

Evidence: The public and healthcare workers have limited knowledge of ACPs and their role in these discussions. People are more likely to hold …

Evaluating The Superiority Of Multimodal Analgesia Over Opioid-Based Analgesia In Postoperative Pain Management For Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Comprehensive Integrative Review, Janna Smith, Mahdi Mofazali, Nya-Qien Smith

Master's Projects

With total knee arthroplasty (TKA), postoperative pain management is so important for optimal recovery and patient outcomes. This integrative review evaluates the effectiveness of multimodal analgesia (MMA) compared to traditional opioid-based analgesia in reducing pain and opioid consumption post-TKA. Research shows that MMA is very effective at providing adequate pain relief, reducing side effects, and also decreasing opioid use. MMA also addresses both the specific needs of individual patients and the broader public health issue of opioid dependence. However, a significant barrier to widespread adoption is the absence of standardized protocols. This review sets forth the importance of coming up …

Evaluating An Evidence-Based Quality Improvement Initiative For Food Insecurity Screening And Referral In Adults With Diabetes Initiating Continuous Glucose Monitor Therapy, Coni Dennis

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Capstones

Diabetes affects 37 million people annually in the United States, with direct medical costs exceeding $237 billion per year (American Diabetes Association, 2018; Xu et al., 2018). Complications account for up to 64% of diabetes-related expenses, emphasizing the importance of glycemic stability in preventing costly and debilitating outcomes (Dieleman et al., 2016). Diet and nutrition, essential for glycemic control, are often undermined by food insecurity—defined as inconsistent access to adequate, nutritious food—affecting 16% of adults with diabetes (Casagrande et al., 2022; Kirby et al., 2021). Food insecurity is linked to higher HbA1c levels, increased complications, and hospitalizations (Thomas et al., …

Improving Medication Administration Times With An Lpn Primary Care Nursing Model, Jennifer Dentinger

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Capstones

This dissertation describes the outcomes of medication administration times after implementing a LPN primary care nursing model.

Clinical Practice Guideline End Of Shift Handover Toolkit, Sasha Samaroo-Burgos

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The DNP project is a Clinical Practice Guideline (CPG) to guide nurses in performing end-of-shift reports at a Medical Center in the West Indies. The gap in practice identified is that nurses perform end-of-shift reporting without using a standardized document. This affects patient safety because the absence of a structured handover process disrupts the continuity of patient care and the transmission of vital patient data. The nurse administrator and general manager reported that many adverse events at the facility were related to miscommunication of information among nurses. The purpose of the project was to develop a CPG that nurses will …

Experiences Of Newly Graduated Registered Nurses’ Successful Transition Into Practice In Their First Year, Angelica Calvillo

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The transition into nursing practice can be described as a phase that significantly impacts nurses’ professional development, quality of care, and attrition rates. Newly graduated registered nurses’ experiences during the transition into practice may be challenging and stressful, affect job satisfaction, attrition rates, and burnout. The purpose of this interpretive descriptive qualitative study, guided by Duchscher’s transition theory, was to describe the experiences of newly graduated registered nurses who report a successful transition into clinical practice in their first year postgraduation to identify what factors contribute to their success and retention. Nine newly graduated registered nurses, with 9-12 months of …

Perceptions Of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Among American Indians, William Joshua Johnson

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

American Indians have seen a rise in the transmission of HIV infections compared to other racial and ethnic groups. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), which is the use of antiviral medications to prevent HIV, there is insufficient literature to describe the acceptability, attitudes, or willingness to utilize PrEP by American Indians. The purpose of this descriptive qualitative study, guided by the health belief model, was to explore perceptions of PrEP among American Indians. Open-ended semi structured questions were used to interview eight participants to ascertain perceptions of PrEP to prevent HIV infections. Using coding and thematic analysis, four themes were identified: (a) …

A Call To Study The Bidirectional Relationship Between Healthcare Accessibility Issues And Medical Gaslighting For Marginalized Groups With Chronic Pain, Nikki Harnage

Honors College Theses

Chronic pain is an epidemic in its own right. Affecting 21% of American adults and costing $300 billion each year, chronic pain rivals cancer, diabetes, and hypertension combined. From psychological impacts on patients to worsening health outcomes further burdening the healthcare system and billions of lost productivity stressing the economy, chronic pain can affect all Americans. However, chronic pain disproportionately afflicts marginalized groups including non-whites, women, and disadvantaged socioeconomic classes. For decades, research has demonstrated disparities in diagnosis, treatment, and management of chronic pain are associated with accessibility issues in healthcare, a link that is likely the result of systemic …

Identification Of Facilitators And Barriers For The Management Of Pediatric Asthma, Katherine E. Chike-Harris

MUSC Theses and Dissertations

Asthma is the most prevalent chronic disease of childhood. Understanding what factors impact access to asthma health care is important. The focus of this dissertation study was to understand the facilitators and barriers to asthma health care as viewed by pediatric primary care providers and caregivers of school-aged children with asthma. This dissertation consists of 3 manuscripts, the first is an integrative review based on the socioecological model that identified the facilitators and barriers to using telehealth for the management of asthma. The second is a quantitative study using electronic surveys to understand caregivers’ and pediatric primary care providers’ perception …

Socioeconomic Status, Obesity, Breast Cancer, And 5-Year Survival Among Men, Taye Oloruntobi Olabode

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Although male breast cancer (MBC) is rare, affecting 2,000 men in the United States each year and comprising approximately 1% of all breast cancer diagnoses, mortality for those diagnosed with MBC is significantly higher than for women diagnosed with breast cancer. Recent research on the disparities in mortality rates between men and women revealed that there may be unexplained factors for the diagnostic disparities between men and women. Bandura’s (1986) SCT was used as the theoretical framework for this quantitative study.The purpose of this quantitative cross-sectional study was to determine whether there was an association between socioeconomic status, obesity, stage …

Additive Value Of A Reinforcer Preference Assessment In Elementary Classroom Group Contingencies, De'vohn J. Roman

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Disruptive behavior in elementary classrooms can hinder students' academic engagement and overall learning experience. This study examined the effectiveness of using a student-selected reinforcer preference assessment in a positive variation of the Good Behavior Game, a widely implemented classroom management strategy, in general education elementary classrooms. The study's purpose was to determine whether student-selected reinforcers led to better outcomes compared to teacher-selected reinforcers, by examining the intervention's effects on academic engagement and disruptive behavior. The methodology involved a single-case research design and an alternating treatment design, which were employed to answer the research questions. Findings revealed the benefits of integrating …

Ecological Epidemiology Of The Fungal Pathogen Ophidiomyces Ophiodiicola In Southeastern U.S. Snake Populations: Distribution, Drivers, And Anthropogenic Risk Factors, Shivam Shukla

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Studying wildlife diseases is an important conservation measure, as many pathogens are a critical threat to biodiversity worldwide. Ophidiomycosis is an emerging infectious disease caused by the invasive fungal pathogen Ophidiomyces ophiodiicola that affects a wide variety of snake species, often causing mortality. There has been limited surveillance for ophidiomycosis in the southeastern United States’ (US) snake populations and research into the effects of anthropogenic disturbance on disease spread is also lacking. Thus, this project aimed to quantify the distribution and drivers (taxonomic, anthropogenic, and morphological) of ophidiomycosis in Florida, Louisiana, and Mississippi’s free ranging snakes as well as study …

Narratives Of Resilience: The Power Of Creative Expression And Community Support During Familial Incarceration, Alana Alexander

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Existing literature stresses that the far-reaching effects of mass incarceration extend beyond prison walls, profoundly shaping familial experiences. Despite this, families remain consistently overlooked in criminal justice discourse, leading to heightened stress and diminished resilience. This thesis is a program review of a community-based program, referred to here as the Storytelling, Creativity, and Care (SCC) program, to protect the confidentiality of its participants and activities. The SCC program integrates neuroscience and narrative theory to explore how storytelling influences cultural perceptions, shapes lived experiences, and supports psychological and physiological healing. Additionally, this work investigates the socio-political narratives that perpetuate stigma and …

3d Reconstruction And Comparative Anatomical And Kinematic Analyses Of The Foot Of Archaeopteryx, Alexander M. Kirk

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Research on the evolution of dinosaur flight has long been dominated by the wing, often overlooking the foot. The foot of Archaeopteryx, the “icon of evolution”, thus offers a unique opportunity to investigate this critical evolutionary stage. Chapter I of this dissertation integrates advanced 3D reconstruction techniques, combining photogrammetry with X-ray data, to create a high-resolution model of the foot of the Thermopolis specimen of Archaeopteryx for visualization and analysis. Driven by 3D coordinate axes derived from joint surface topology, the analyses in Chapter II reveal terrestrial adaptations -- such as a medially oriented hallux (81°), serially shorter phalanges on …

Γ -Aapeptides Targeting Amyloid-Β Pathway And Neural Repair For Alzheimer’S Disease Treatment, Ning Shen

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the accumulation of amyloid-beta (Aβ) plaques and progressive neuronal degeneration. Despite extensive research, no treatments have been able to effectively halt or reverse the progression of the disease. This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic potential of two novel γ-AApeptides, HW-C9 and 125-6b, in AD treatment, assessing both their individual and combined effects. HW-C9 was designed to inhibit Aβ aggregation, while 125-6b was developed to promote neuronal growth and repair. Initially, the therapeutic effects of HW-C9 and 125-6b were assessed both in vitro and in vivo. The results showed that HW-C9 …

The Use Of Gamification In Tutoring Sessions, Megan L. Lee

Honors Capstones

Many students entering the college world have grown up around technology and use it in their everyday lives. While students are showing an increased use and understanding of technology, traditional tutoring methods do not incorporate these skills. Tutoring can be a useful adjunct to the classroom setting regarding student success but can be lacking in student engagement when designed in lecture-based formats to mimic the classroom setting. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the impact of gamification, especially the use of Kahoot, in tutoring sessions on student engagement. A qualitative research study was conducted with sixteen first semester nursing students …

Best Practice Toolkit For Increasing Colorectal Cancer Screenings In At-Risk Adults, Zoe Windfelder

Student Scholarly Projects

Adult individuals at risk for colorectal cancer (CRC) do not have a direct, accessible best-practice toolkit to follow for screening measures. Research showed that at least three guidelines (i.e., American Cancer Society [ACS], American College of Gastroenterology [ACG], and U.S. Preventive Services Task Forces [USPSTF]) are used interchangeably daily by interprofessional staff for individuals with average to high-risk variables. The project was guided by the following PICOT question: For interprofessional staff supporting the at-risk adult population for colorectal cancer (P), how does the development of a best practice for coordination of care toolkit (I) compared to no structured program strategy …

Evaluating How Malaria Transmission Season, Residency, And Travel History Modify The Association Between Vector Control Method Use And P. Falciparum Infection In Accra, Ghana., Anna Beltrame

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Background. Urbanization and population movements increase urban malaria risk, necessitating adjustments to traditional control strategies. Data on vector control methods in urban African settings and their association with malaria risk remain limited.

Objectives. To evaluate the association between vector control methods and Plasmodium falciparum infection in Accra, Ghana, and how this association varies by malaria transmission season, residency, and travel history.

Methods. This observation study utilized data from two cross-sectional household surveys conducted in March-April and June-July 2024 as part of the MUSE study. Participants were household members over six months old who gave consent, randomly selected from 13 health …

Evaluating Trauma-Informed Design In A Mental Health Setting: A Community-Based Research Case Study, Marie Spence

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This case study utilized a community-based research framework to explore how the Trauma-Informed Design framework can be implemented in a mental health setting. This study focused on the site of Empower Therapy Practice, a private mental health practice in the Denver Metro Area, to engage clients and staff to participate in advisory boards and inform the interior design of a new office space. To explore the application of Trauma-Informed Design, participants engaged in a variety of research activities, including an evaluative questionnaire, Photovoice, and focus group. Advisory board members identified various aspects of Trauma-Informed Design which meaningfully translate to therapeutic …