Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Dysphagia And Nutrition In The Elderly, Amanda Panting

Undergraduate Honors Capstone Projects

Dysphagia and nutrition in the elderly go hand in hand. As age increases, bodily functions decrease. The loss of function causes an increased susceptibility to swallowing disorders and possible malnutrition. Dysphagia in the elderly increases mortality and morbidity rates (3). This paper discusses causes, symptoms and consequences of dysphagia. Swallow studies and various feeding techniques are examined. Alzheimer's disease, dementia and stroke are diseases that are commonly seen among patients with dysphagia (3, 10). Alternative nutrition via enteral feeding has been shown to increase survival rate (14, 15, 16). The ethics of prolonging death or prolonging life through nutrition support …

Food Insecurity And Hunger In America, Elizabeth Zufelt

Undergraduate Honors Capstone Projects

Studies have shown that about twelve percent (13.5 million) of American households experience at least some form of food insecurity in one year. Causes for food insecurity include disability, low income if employed, unemployment within the past six months, and retirement. Hunger and obesity are often seen in the same person at the same time, including children. The effects of hunger and food insecurity seen among children include: anemia, higher levels of anxiety, poorer performance on mathematical tests, depression, aggression, tardiness, a poorer sense of well-being, lower physical abilities, and lower psychosocial abilities. Food insecurity also affects the elderly population. …

Nutrition In Traumatic Brain Injuries, Jaylene Dalley

Undergraduate Honors Capstone Projects

Nutrition intervention and support is a critical part of caring for traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients. TBI patients have high energy and protein needs, as well as increased needs for some vitamins and minerals. There are a number of ways to assess energy and protein needs for TBI patients including indirect calorimetry, the Harrris-Benedict Equations and the Glasgow Coma Scale Equation. Most TBI patients are either non-responsive (comatose) or develop some form of dysphagia and, therefore, are unable to consume adequate amounts of nutrition via the oral route. Nutrition support through enteral or parenteral routes may improve the medical outcome …

Government Food Assistance Programs: A Nutritional Perspective, Marlee Harris

Undergraduate Honors Capstone Projects

Food security remains a problem in the United States. Historically, the government began to distribute excess agricultural goods to those in nutritional need. Efforts to provide food to people in need continue today through the Food Stamp Program (FSP) and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). Nutrition status of participants in these programs demonstrates the nutritional effectiveness of these programs. These programs provide needed benefits and are making positive changes in food security, but improvements can be made to fully improve the nutrition status of these low-income participants. Nutrition professionals can be key in improving …

Cystic Fibrosis And Nutrition Risk, Kristen Rae Stokes

Undergraduate Honors Capstone Projects

Introduction: Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is an autosomal recessive disorder with serious pulmonary and nutritional implications. Nutrition status has a direct affect on lung function and longevity. Screening patients for growth velocity makes it possible to identify patients at nutritional risk. This identification is the first step towards appropriate nutritional interventions. The current screening tool used for children and adolescents with CF is not reliable and leaves too much room for clinical judgment. It is for this reason that a new screening tool was developed. Methods: The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation established a panel of experts for the purpose of developing an …

Diet And Nutritional Concerns Of Hispanic Americans, Valerie Rawlinson

Undergraduate Honors Capstone Projects

Hispanic Americans are the second largest ethnic minority group in the United States today, at 12.5% of the total U.S. population. They face considerable nutrition-related challenges, of which dietitians and other nutrition professionals who serve this population need to be aware. Their diet goes through drastic, rapid changes soon after immigration to the United States, many of which have a strong negative impact on their health, putting them at greater risk for obesity and chronic diseases than the general population. In addition to diet and disease, Hispanic Americans face other issues that hinder their ability to benefit from nutritional counseling, …

Body Image Among Elementary-Aged Children: Development, Implications, And Interventions, Mindy Beth Probst

Undergraduate Honors Capstone Projects

Body image is the mental image or conception that one has of one's body. Its development is effected by an individual's life experiences beginning at birth. Statistics show that close to half of elementary-aged children are already dissatisfied with their bodies and have begun to develop negative body images. Review of the current literature suggests that family, peers, cultural values and the media, and changes in physical appearance related to adiposity rebound and puberty are the major causes of this unfortunate situation. Research is also showing that children are participating in unhealthy diet and exercise practices as a result of …

Regulation Of Cardiac Fibroblast Metalloprotease Secretion, Glen De Guzman

Undergraduate Honors Capstone Projects

Matrix metalloproteases (MMPs) are proteolytic enzymes secreted by cardiac fibroblasts. Altered expression of MMPs plays an important role in congestive heart failure and other cardiovascular diseases^1,2. Emerging evidence has led us to consider the role of phosphatidylinositol 4-kinase (PtdIns 4-kinase) in regulating MMP secretion in cardiac fibroblast cells^3-7. PtdIns 4-kinase is a lipid kinase involved in various cellular processes including protein secretion. This project was designed to test the hypothesis that PtdIns 4-kinase controls MMP secretion. Techniques such as cardiac cell culture, transfection, and in-gel zymography were used for this experiment. Results demonstrated that PtdIns 4-kinase …

Americans' Attitudes Toward Euthanasia And Physician-Assisted Suicide, 1936-2002, Jen Allen, Sonia Chavez, Sara Desimone, Debbie Howard, Keadron Johnson, Lucinda Lapierr, Darrel Montero, Jerry Sanders

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Public opinion polls conducted from 1936 to 2002 found that Americans support both euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide. Although public opinion regarding end-oflife decisions appears to have been influenced by the events of the times, Americans have consistently favored the freedom to end one's life when the perceived quality of life has significantly diminished, either by one's own hand or with the assistance of a physician. This paper indicates that existing policy regarding euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide conflicts with the American public's attitudes regarding the matter, as well as examines implications for social workers who serve clients facing end-of-life decisions.

Review Of Troubled Fields: Men, Emotions And The Crisis In American Farming. Eric Ramirez-Ferrero. Reviewed By Leon Ginsberg., Leon Ginsberg

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Book review of Eric Ramirez-Ferrero, Troubled Fields: Men, Emotions and the Crisis in American Farming. New York: Columbia University Press, 2005. $64.50 hardcover, $24.50 papercover.

Review Of Aids, Rhetoric And Medical Knowledge. Alex Preda. Reviewed By Cudore L. Snell., Cudore L. Snell

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Book review of Alex Preda, AIDS, Rhetoric, and Medical Knowledge. New York: Cambridge University Press, 2005. $70.00 hardback.

Akuh Nairobi News Bulletin, Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi

The Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi Archives

Content:

- The Way Forward

- Opening Remarks from Chief Operating Officer

- What is a University Hospital

- First Regional Rheumotology Course in Eastern and Central Africa

- Three New Operating Theatres Open

- Celebrating the World's Most Caring Profession

- Best Performance Awards

- Our New Human Resource

- Cancer Support Group

- Understanding Medical Conditions with the Specialists

- AKUH(N) Gets Closer to the Wananchi

Longitudinal Analysis Of Censored Medical Cost Data, Onur Baser, Joseph C. Gardiner, Cathy J. Bradley, Huseyin Yuce, Charles Given

Publications and Research

This paper applies the inverse probability weighted (IPW) least-squares method to estimate the effects of treatment on total medical cost, subject to censoring, in a panel-data setting. IPW pooled ordinary-least squares (POLS) and IPW random effects (RE) models are used. Because total medical cost might not be independent of survival time under administrative censoring, unweighted POLS and RE cannot be used with censored data, to assess the effects of certain explanatory variables. Even under the violation of this independency, IPW estimation gives consistent asymptotic normal coefficients with easily computable standard errors. A traditional and robust form of the Hausman test …

Incidence And Outcome Of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation In Patients With Shunted Single Ventricle: Advantage Of Right Ventricle To Pulmonary Artery Shunt., Eric M. Graham, Geoffrey A. Forbus, Scott M. Bradley, Girish S. Shirali, Andrew M. Atz

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

No abstract provided.

Does Culture Influence The Needs Of Critical Care Families?, Naomi Alston

Master's Projects

Purpose: This study explores ICU patient's family member needs, particularly Vietnamese and Latino families. Design: Convenience sampling at 24 bed ICU in acute care community hospital serving ethnically diverse population. Methods: Non-experimental survey with pretest-posttest design using Demographic sheet, Critical Family Needs Inventory (CCFNI), and Needs Met Inventory (NMI). Information pamphlets were distributed. Data analysis was by ethnic groups using measures of central tendency and descriptive statistics. Findings: CCFNI results indicate family members of all ethnicities experience the same priority of needs; support and information are top two needs. English, Spanish and Vietnamese pamphlets met information needs of the majority …

Identifying Catholic School Teachers Attitudes And Perceptions About Death And Grief, Stephania Ann Higdon

Master's Projects

Death and grief are not frequently discussed with children as a normal part of life. Previous studies show that teachers are not comfortable discussing the subject in the classrooms. As a trusted source, school nurses are able to help school staff recognize potential signs and symptoms of death and grief with a student dealing with a loss, providing information, educational resources and support. The purpose of this study was to identify the attitudes and perceptions about death and grief of Catholic School teachers working among elementary school age children kindergarten through eighth grades. A convenience sample of 47 teachers from …

The Relationship Between Health Beliefs And Adherence To Treatment Of Russian Immigrants With Hypertension, Michael R. Kolesnikov

Master's Projects

Introduction: Hypertension (HTN) has been identified as a common health problem in every ethnic group in the USA. Due to the silent nature of the HTN, some cultures may not perceive this condition as being serious or potentially fatal. Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the health beliefs of Russian-speaking immigrants with hypertension and their adherence to the prescribed treatment. Design: The study was a non-experimental exploratory survey and interview. Convenience sampling was used. The Health Belief Model (HBM) provided the theoretical framework. Sample: A total of 62 subjects (27% male and 73% female, ages from 51 …

Cultural Identity Of Labor And Delivery Nurses In The Assessment Of Pregnant Patients For Interpersonal Violence, Ramona Nichols Smith

Master's Projects

Objective: Identification of barriers to assessment of interpersonal violence (IPV) in pregnant women. Design: An exploratory descriptive study Setting: The labor and delivery department of a public county hospital Participants: 34 nurses, representing 8 cultures and 13 native languages, completed the survey, and 34 laboring patient's medical records were reviewed. Main Outcome Measures: Any specific barriers, identified by nurses, to assessing for IPV in laboring patients Results: Medical record review revealed 50% assessment rate in labor triage patients. Survey results revealed that cultural identity (85 %) was not a significant barrier. Approximately 65% of nurses agreed that in their culture …

Student Vollunteers In The Hospice Setting, Sarah Brugger

Senior Honors Projects

The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency of use of student volunteers in the hospice setting across the country. Hospice agencies were asked to answer a questionnaire regarding their use of student volunteers and the disadvantages or benefits that they have experienced. One hundred percent of the participants indicated that they use students as volunteers in their agency. The student’s youthful outlook, fresh perspective, and enthusiasm were the most frequently cited benefits. The main disadvantage of using students centered around commitment issues, such as the unavailability of students during school breaks. The results of this study suggest …

Ms In Asian Countries, M Wasay, I A. Khatri, B Khealani, M Sheerani

Section of Neurology

This paper reviews all available English language literature on MS from Asian countries published between 1970 and 2005. Although limited data are available, the review reveals that western Asia--including the Middle East--has the highest prevalence of MS across the continent, and that MS in Asia largely resembles conventional MS in western countries. Opticospinal MS (a distinct clinical entity from conventional MS) is more common in eastern Asian regions. Larger epidemiological and genetic studies, with more complete ascertainment in various Asian populations, are needed so that we can understand the diversity of Asian MS.

Foreign Body Aspiration In Adults., Ali Bin Sarwar Zubairi, Haque A. S, Husain S. J, Javaid Khan

Department of Medicine

Foreign body aspiration is not an uncommon problem, particularly in children, the elderly, and those with predisposing factors like neurological impairment. In adults, regional differences exist in the type of foreign body aspirated. We report four cases of foreign body aspiration in South Asian adults, three of which were related to the widespread habit of chewing stimulant seeds such as betel nuts (two) and tamarind seed (one). It is important for clinicians to maintain a high index of suspicion for the diagnosis of foreign body inhalation in the appropriate clinical setting. Bronchoscopy is necessary not only for the diagnosis but …

Characteristics Of Human Figure Drawings Created By Students With Learning Disabilities, Monika L. Isip

EVMS School of Health Professions Theses & Dissertations

Previous research concerning the artistic indicators of learning disabilities has yielded inconsistent results. Children with learning disabilities comprise a heterogeneous population, with diverse strengths and challenges. There has been a lack of research on the graphic indicators of learning disabilities, which takes this diversity into account. This study aimed at exploring the characteristics of Human Figure Drawings (HFDs) created by students with learning disabilities.

The study examined the HFDs of 2 Virginia Beach Public School 2nd graders who were identified by their parents as having learning disabilities; one child’s disability was described as being a decoding deficit and the other …

Art Therapy With Adults With Autism, Kimberly Dennler

EVMS School of Health Professions Theses & Dissertations

Research regarding art therapy with adults with autism is limited. The objective of this study was to understand the effect of a specific art therapy intervention upon social interaction and communication of the adults with autism. The hypothesis was that by participating in this intervention, the participants’ communication and socialization would increase and their maladaptive behaviors would decrease. Over a series of nine sessions, the five participants from Bittersweet Farms were introduced to basic techniques for working with clay.

Results were based on qualitative analysis of data from staff surveys, through the use of pre and post questionnaires; observations made …

Color In Children’S Human Figure Drawings, Melanie Metelsky

EVMS School of Health Professions Theses & Dissertations

Color is an important part of our everyday lives and its use in art-based assessment is theorized to relate to aspects of emotional, cognitive, social, and physical development. The Human Figure Drawing (HFD) is a highly utilized projective technique that is also theorized to be related to these areas of development. However, there is little research regarding the use of color in HFDs, particularly in respect to children’s drawings.

This study explored whether or not there is a relationship between children’s age and their use of color in the HFD. This is important to art therapists and other clinicians in …

Implications For Using Transpersonal Art Therapy With African Americans, Robin Coley Wooling

EVMS School of Health Professions Theses & Dissertations

Very little art therapy literature on racial and cultural themes exists. The purpose of this study was to expand on the literature that explores the use of art therapy with African Americans. The goal of this study was to determine if transpersonal art therapy would be an appropriate modality for working with African Americans.

Interaction with art materials, especially among adults, seems to be universal. Adults are initially nervous about their artistic abilities, but once at ease, are able to communicate their thoughts and feelings using the art media. In this study, the workshop participants’ reactions to using art materials …

The Effects Of Music On Art Making With Older Adults, Gertrude W. Goodwin

EVMS School of Health Professions Theses & Dissertations

It is projected that by 2030, older adults will make up 69.4 million of the population in the United States (U.S. Bureau of the Census, 2001). The basic physical, mental, and emotional needs of these older adults must be addressed to ensure an adequate quality of life. Quality of life refers to the degree needs are being met as well as the person’s perception and satisfaction with life. As the population ages there is an increased expectation for a higher quality of life because older adults are healthier, more active, and living longer. The therapeutic use of art and music …

Art Therapy And Sensory Stimulation To Decrease Agitation: A Pilot Study, Leslie Cristen Lavergne

EVMS School of Health Professions Theses & Dissertations

Dementia affects 1% of older adults in America between the ages of 65 and 74 years, and increases to 10% in those 85 years and older. The cognitive and behavioral symptoms of dementia may restrict an individuals ability to perform activities of daily living, such as self-care, memory, and language. The literature supports the premise that individuals who have dementia can benefit from a treatment approach that focuses on medication regulation, as well as mental stimulation. This study was an art therapy and sensory stimulation intervention designed to reduce agitation, a common non-cognitive symptom of dementia. This study included five …

Professional Outcomes Of Eastern Virginia Medical School Art Therapy Graduates, Heather Tyng

EVMS School of Health Professions Theses & Dissertations

In 1982, Eastern Virginia Medical School (EVMS) awarded the first art therapy graduate with a Master’s Degree. Since then there have been 202 graduates through 2004.

The EVMS art therapy program has had no detailed or current information regarding the professional outcomes of its alumni. This lack of information created a need to survey EVMS art therapy graduates to determine how their careers have progressed to this point.

A survey was designed to investigate the professional outcomes of the EVMS art therapy alumni and to determine their opinions of the strengths and weaknesses of the EVMS art therapy curriculum. Of …

Perceptions Of Art Therapy As Portrayed Through The Media, Heidi Torres

EVMS School of Health Professions Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to understand the perception of art therapy as portrayed through the media. Two studies were conducted with two facilitated via online surveys and one focus group. All participants were college students from Eastern Virginia Medical School and Old Dominion University. A sample of 14 volunteers participated. It was hypothesized that adolescents from both groups would use art as an effective and desirable means of personal communication and expression.

Results are based on qualitative analysis of data from two questionnaires, pre and post, which included perceptions toward art therapy prior to viewing media sources and …

Art Therapists’ Response To Countertransference: An Exploratory Study, Rachael Smith

EVMS School of Health Professions Theses & Dissertations

This qualitative study explored five practicing art therapists’ common countertransferential reactions and the methods used to attend to their countertransference. Data was collected by recorded interviews, which were reviewed and transcribed using the note-and-quote method. The content was analyzed according to theoretical constructs of The Countertransference Questionnaire, Index of Countertransference Behaviors, and Racker (1968). Disengaged countertransferential reactions were reported most often, followed by special/overinvolved and helpless/inadequate. The researcher found art making a valuable tool for proper identification of countertransference. Themes of decreasing the intensity of countertransference and personal/professional development were motivations for attending to countertransference. This study suggests that identifying …