Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

A Comprehensive Program Description And Recommendations For The Del Rosa Youth Program, Martin C. Hodnett

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Amid budget cuts, economic recession, and difficulties many Americans face, more families are looking for ways to access needed services and goods from nongovernmental sources. Churches and faith based organizations, such as the Del Rosa Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Church, have been bridging the gap for families seeking assistance, particularly in the area of youth services. The Del Rosa Youth Program, an outreach program sponsored by Del Rosa SDA Church, provides mentoring and religious programming for at-risk youth. In an effort to assist them in becoming more competitive for funding, the current project has reviewed the relevant literature and provided recommendations …

Use Of Emoticons For Assessing Emotion And Mood States In Web-Based Interventions, Jennifer Chua So

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

In the rapidly growing field of online psychotherapeutic interventions, an increasing number of clinicians are seeking to extend therapeutic interventions into cyberspace. However, because communication with clients in this medium is often devoid of auditory and visual feedback, these clinicians are not able to rely on their clinical observations. It then becomes incumbent to develop a psychometrically and theoretically sound means of assessing emotion and mood states that can be easily utilized in this forum. Utilizing cross-culturally and empirically supported models of emotion structure shown to be influential in the self-report data, the Positive Affect and Negative Affect factors, this …

Predicting Systemic Confidence, Stephanie Inez Falke

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Using a mixed method approach, this study explored which educational factors predicted systemic confidence in master’s level marital and family therapy (MFT) students, and whether or not the impact of these factors was influenced by student beliefs and their perception of their supervisor’s beliefs about the value of systemic practice. One hundred and twenty graduate students in Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education-accredited (COAMFT) programs completed an online survey that assessed their training experiences, beliefs about systemic practice and perceptions of confidence. Quantitative findings revealed that students who reported greater research expectations in their program, obtained more …

The Development Of An Advanced Filial Therapy Model, Amy Cathleen Wickstrom

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

This study sought to develop an advanced filial therapy model by examining the experiences of seven parents who participated in a preliminary advanced filial therapy intervention. These parents had previously completed a 10-week basic filial therapy model called Child Parent Relationship Therapy. A phenomenological qualitative design was employed, wherein data was obtained from parent playtime notes, researcher field notes, group process transcriptions, and focus groups. Parent experiences of the intervention were examined from a systems-relational lens, and four categories emerged, which include relational epiphanies, enhanced understanding of the playtimes, model format, and skill development. Additionally, a variety of themes were …

Neurodevelopmental Outcome & Mr Spectroscopy Of Therapeutic Hypothermia After Pediatric Drowning, Sharon Mieras Perugini

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Despite advances in medical treatment and technology, outcome following pediatric drowning can vary widely from mild to severe impairments and death. Prognosis is often difficult to predict given a number of contributing factors. As such, this study examined the relationship between clinical indicators including submersion duration, initial GCS and PRISM scores, and waking time with outcome as well as metabolite ratios based on magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Research stemming from the area of cardiac arrest as well as anecdotal case study reports of cold water drownings suggests that lowering the body temperature may be helpful and protective. As such, the use …

Using Cone Beam Computed Tomography To Identify A Prediction Model For Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Jodi Parker

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Introduction: Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) patients have increased risk of morbidity and mortality. Early diagnosis may reduce morbidity and mortality. Prediction of OSA from imaging may help to identify OSA patients earlier in life. CBCT can be used for OSA diagnostic imaging due to its three-dimensional (3D) visualization of the upper airway and craniofacial complex. Magnification associated with conventional 2D radiography is eliminated with CBCT, and radiation to the patient is significantly less than previous modalities used to measure craniofacial & airway measurements associated with OSA. During a CBCT scan, the patient's image is taken supine, rather than the upright …

Influence Of Stainless Steel Orthodontic Brackets On Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Christian James Hoybjerg

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Introduction: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines provide 2D as well as 3D images that are excellent in contrasting soft-tissue in the maxillofacial region and are void of ionizing radiation. The drawbacks include the lack of depiction of cortical bony detail and image degradation caused by substances in the scanned area. Specifically, in the orthodontic field stainless steel brackets cause more distortion of MR images then any other bracket material. It is unknown what type of stainless steel alloy causes the most MRI distortion. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the degree of craniofacial MR distortion caused by various …

The Effects Of The Introduction Of An Electronic Medical Record (Emr) On Self-Reported Treatment Effects In A Psychological Service In A Family Medicine Clinic, Michael D. Herman

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The healthcare system in the United States has traditionally focused on pathogenic disease prevention and treatment of acute illness, only addressing physical health (Grzywacz & Keyes, 2004). This approach is limited, as it does not often acknowledge the influence of mental health and health promotion on outcomes. Approximately, 25-75% of all presenting cases with uncertain etiology in medicine are psychosocial or behavioral in origin (Schulte et. al., 2004). Improvements can be made through integrated care; however, divergent viewpoints and often proximity across providers disrupts, psychologist-physician communication, collaboration, and subsequently care access (McDaniel, 1995). The current study examines the self reported …

Comparison Of Rationally-Derived And Empirically-Derived Methods For Predicting Failure In Residential Treatment, Jennifer Pester Grattan

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Patient-focused research methods have been used in adult mental health treatment to improve outcomes by tracking individual treatment response and comparing it with expected recovery patterns. One such approach has used rationally- and empirically-derived methods to analyze data from the OQ-45 and identify patients who are not responding as expected to treatment. Treatment is then adjusted, improving outcomes and lowering overall costs.

Similar but less extensive research has shown analogous methods can be used with children and adolescents. This would be particularly useful in residential treatment, which is an expensive and inadequately researched approach. This study used archival data gathered …

Patient/Physician Communication In Type 2 Diabetes-Related Health Behavior Change, Barbara Marie Thomas

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Adult type 2 diabetes is an increasing problem in the United States and affected over 16 million Americans in 2004. Most patients are treated in primary care settings and managed medically, but controlling insulin resistance through activity and diet is considered the greatest challenge for the next 30 years (Katen, et al., 2007). Understanding how physicians and patients communicate about health behaviors is necessary for developing the most effective strategies for facilitating health behavior change in this population. In the current study, adults with type 2 diabetes (n= 87) from the Loma Linda University Diabetes Treatment Center (LLUDTC), …

The Influence Of Work Of Fracture On Six Orthodontic Bonding Systems, Tyler S. Pritchard

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Introduction: Bonding is the primary method of attaching brackets to teeth in modem orthodontics. Thus, many studies have focused on the maximum shear bond strength values of orthodontic adhesives. In contrast, very little research has been performed considering the work of fracture of orthodontic bonding systems. Work of Fracture is defined as the area under the curve of a stress-strain graph. Previous shear bond strength studies measured the force necessary to produce bond failure. The purpose of this study was to measure the maximum shear force and displacement of six bonding systems and to calculate the work of fracture.

Materials …

Impact Of Ambient Air Pollution On Survival Of Renal Transplant Recipients, Rhonda Kristine Hwang

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

There is increasing evidence that ambient air pollution is associated with coronary heart disease morbidity and mortality. This research has focused on the general public and less so on possible sensitive subgroups even though these may have even greater susceptibility to adverse effects of ambient air pollution. With highly prevalent traditional as well as nontraditional risk factors, renal transplant recipients may potentially be a sensitive subgroup. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the possible effect of between long-term exposure to air pollution on the risk of CHD mortality among renal transplant recipients. This cohort study includes 32,239 adult, …

Effects Of Functional Appliances On Pharyngeal Airway Dimensions: A Cone Beam Computed Tomography Study, Melissa K. Lee

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Introduction: Functional appliances are intended to correct by incremental advancement of the mandible for correction of skeletal Class 11 relationships. Similar in design to functional appliances, mandibular advancing devices (MAD) are used for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients as they increase the size of the airway by drawing the tongue and soft palate forwards, and thus maintain its patency during sleep. It has been shown that significant increases in airway dimensions and decreases in airway resistance were gained in OSA patients while evaluated with a MAD in place. This retrospective study evaluated volumetric, cross-sectional area and linear changes in the …

Study Of The Four Factor Theory Of Women’S Sexual Function, Julie M. Merrell

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Tiefer, Hall, and Tavris (2002) described factors comprising four categories of female sexual function. They suggested that unique factors need to be examined to understand sexual function in women. Socio-cultural, political, or economic factors, partner and relationship factors, psychological factors, and medical factors were described as aspects of women’s lives that can be the source of sexual dysfunction. In a previous study, Merrell (2007) utilized Tiefer et al’s (2002) four factor model of sexual functioning to examine female sexual functioning looking specifically at body shame, relationship satisfaction, positive and negative affect, sexual self-schema, and overall health. Based on the results …

Observer Reliability Of Cephalometric Landmark Identification On 3-D Mr Images, Michael S. Pollack

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Introduction: Cephalometric analysis is a cornerstone of orthodontic diagnosis, yet much information is lost when 3-dimensional structures are assessed with 2-dimensional methods. CBCT offers 3-dimensional imaging but at the cost of higher levels of ionizing radiation. Magnetic resonance imaging provides 3-dimensional imaging without ionizing radiation and additionally imparts visualization of soft tissue structures. Prior to employing MR images for cephalometric analysis, reliability of landmark identification must be assessed. The purpose of this study was to evaluate intra- and interobserver reliability in 3-dimensional landmark identification using MR images.

Materials and Methods: Fifteen cranial MR images (3.0 T, MP-RAGE) from subjects between …

Effects Of Functional Appliances On The Tmj And Mandibular Length Of Skeletal Class Ii Patients: A Cone Beam Computed Tomography Study, David C. Lee

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Introduction: Functional appliances have been efficiently used in the treatment of Class II malocclusions caused by retrognathic mandibles. Cone beam computed tomography has enabled us to make more accurate linear measurements by eliminating superimposition of other structures and to analyze skeletal anatomic detail in all three planes of space. This retrospective study evaluated the osseous changes in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and length of the mandible in skeletal Class II malocclusion patients treated with the fixed functional appliances and compared measurements with Class I malocclusion patients treated with orthodontic mechanics that did not alter skeletal relationships.

Materials and Methods: Twelve …

Profiles Of Drug Endangered Children: Investigation In A Clinical Sample, Imanie Samanmali Wijayaratne

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Despite the increase in children born prenatally exposed to methamphetamine, little is known about the cognitive and neuropsychological outcomes of these children. Research specific to prenatal-methamphetamine exposure is extremely limited and has been primarily restricted to rat studies. This research combined with the few studies examining children prenatally exposed to methamphetamine suggests that methamphetamine-exposure is associated with various cognitive and neuropsychological delays and is impacted by both biological and environmental factors. Given the scarcity of research in this area, the current study used archival data from a psychological assessment clinic to (1) describe the frequency of prenatal methamphetamine-exposure cases, (2) …

Nurses' Spiritual Care Practices: Assessment, Type, Frequency, And Correlates, Iris Mamier

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

This descriptive, correlational study described the type, frequency, and correlates of nurses' spiritual care practices (quantitative) and their experiences with the sacred at work (qualitative). A convenience sample of 554 (24%) of the Registered Nurses employed at a western United States faith-based tertiary care health system participated in this online survey. Nurses' spiritual care practices were assessed using the 17-item Nurses' Spiritual Care Practice Questionnaire (NSCQ). Factorial validity and reliability of the pilot NSCQ were established. Spiritual care practices most frequently endorsed were assessing patients' spiritual beliefs pertaining to health and listening to patients' stories of illness and their spiritual …

The Effects Of Physical Activity And Nutrient Intake On The Risk Of Hip Fracture : Results From The Adventist Health Study-2, Wen-Ling Liao

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

This is a two year of follow up study of Adventist Health Study-2 (AHS-2). We assessed the association between physical activity, nutrient intake and risk of hip fracture among peri- and post menopausal Caucasian women using unconditional logistic regression models. All subjects completed a lifestyle questionnaire which including information of physical activity and frequency and portion size of food intake at enrollment into the study (2002-2007). The “Bi-Annual Hospitalization History” questionnaire which included a question about hip fractures due to minor trauma/falls was sent to subjects approximately two years after enrollment, with a response rat of 82.84%. In this cohort, …

Effect Of California Mission Fig Consumption On Levels Of C-Reactive Protein And Antioxidant Levels, Rasha Abdrabou

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Polyphenols exert anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. We investigated the effect of consumption of polyphenol-rich figs on high sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP) and antioxidant levels in hyperlipidemic subjects. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of fig consumption on C-reactive protein and antioxidant levels. Analyses were carried out on collected data from September to December of 2008. Using a crossover design, one hundred and two participants were recruited and randomized into an intervention phase (eating figs) and a control phase (not eating figs) for 5 weeks. Blood samples were drawn from each group at the 4th and 5th …

The Effect Of An Educational Intervention On The Sexual Perceptions And Practices Of Adolescents In Trinidad And Tobago, Vanessa Jones

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Background. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) is one of the fastest spreading infectious diseases in the Caribbean, and is second only to Sub-Sahara Africa in the prevalence of HIV/AIDS cases. Trinidad and Tobago is the southernmost twin island republic in the Caribbean. In 1999, the 5^th leading cause of death among individuals ages 15-34 in Trinidad and Tobago was HIV/AIDS. According to UNAIDS (2006), the prevalence rate of HIV in Trinidad and Tobago is 2.6%.

Purpose. Currently, there is no standardized HIV/AIDS education program in secondary schools in Trinidad and Tobago. Since HIV/AIDS is …

Fetal Cocaine Exposure Causes Epigenetic Changes In The Rat Heart, Kurt D. Meyer

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Cocaine abuse continues to be prevalent in the United States and other industrialized nations, in addition to the negative health effects that cocaine abuse has on the user, a mother who uses cocaine while pregnant also exposes the developing fetus to cocaine. Although there have been many studies of the effects of cocaine on the adult heart, studies of cocaine on the fetal heart and its potential delayed pathophysiological effects on cardiac function in adult offspring are extremely limited. The studies of the present project sought to enhance the understanding of the effect of cocaine exposure on the fetal heart …

Clergy Stress: Seventh-Day Adventist Pastors In Hong Kong, Singapore, And Taiwan, Onn Liang

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

This research utilized an expanded ABC-X model of family stress, one that incorporated the culture and boundary ambiguity constructs of the contextual approach as a paradigm to examine the outcomes of job-related stress experienced by the Seventh-day Adventist pastors in Hong Kong, Singapore, and Taiwan. All together 89 Adventist pastors or 86.4% of the total pastoral workforce in the three regions participated in the 52 self-administered questionnaire survey. In addition, two focus groups made up of 15 pastors in Taiwan were utilized to generate descriptive data related to pastors and their families in the context of stressful situations. This research …

Tuberculosis In San Bernardino County, 1993-2004 : Lifestyle And Environmental Factors, Anuj Bhatia

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

An observational retrospective study was conducted for tuberculosis (TB) cases between San Bernardino County (SBC), Riverside County, and the state of California from 1996 to 2004. A univariate comparison between San Bernardino County and California indicated a higher proportion of U.S. born cases in SBC. Additionally, it was found that San Bernardino had a higher proportion of non-injection drug using TB cases, compared with California in 1996. Further comparisons were made along country of birth between TB cases in San Bernardino County from 1993 to 2004. Notable differences were observed for injection drug use, non injection drug use, alcohol abuse, …

Predicting Intention To Wean From The Bottle Among Hispanic Mothers, Elaine K. Fleming

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Background. Hispanic children carry a disproportionate burden of prolonged bottle use and associated disease. Children in low-income households who use the bottle beyond age 12 months are at risk for iron deficiency anemia, obesity, and early childhood dental caries.

Purpose. The purpose of this study was to identify predictors of intention to wean from the bottle among low-income Hispanic mothers of infants enrolled in the Special Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC).

Method. A convenience sample of 266 low-income Hispanic mothers of infants age 5 to 14 months old were categorized into four groups by experience …

Postprandial Effects Of Pecans Ingestion On Plasma Level Of Nutrients, Polyphenolic Compounds And Biomarkers Of Antioxidant Status In Human Volunteers, Chatrapa Hudthagosol

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Pecans (Carya illinoinensis) are rich sources of polyphenolic compounds and nutrients, which have antioxidant capacity results in favorable reductions in plasma lipids and lipoproteins. However, the health benefits of pecans may not be limited to blood lipid changes. There has been very little investigation into the contribution of bioactive components found in nuts to antioxidant protection. The purposes of the study were 1) to determine the impact of pecan consumption on concentration of total plasma polyphenols and their peak concentration over time. 2) to measure the effect of a pecan diet on postprandial levels of plasma lipid peroxidation …

Anthropometric Parameters Of Under-Five Years Old Children With Different Dietary Habits In Ukambani Region : A Study In Eastern Rural Kenya, Hellen M. Ndiku

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The objective of this descriptive cross sectional study was to assess dietary intake and nutritional status of children under-five years in two rural sites of Eastern Kenya where the staple cereals may differ. A modified rapid, knowledge, practice and coverage (KPC) questionnaire and a 24-hr dietary recall form were used to collect the data. A total of 403 households were surveyed from four randomly selected divisions. This yielded 629 surrogate 24-hr dietary recalls of children < 5 years with 314 from Mwingi district and 315 from Makueni district (49 % boys and 51 % girls).

Statistical analysis was done using SPSS and SAS. Comparison of means was done using t- test and chi square was used for proportions. The 24-hr …

Quality Of Life And Depression: Outcome Markers For A Weight Management Program, Cecilia Dueñas

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Pediatric obesity has become a national epidemic and current trends suggest a continued increase. Obese children have been found to have higher incidences of depression and a lower quality of life (QOL) than children from other often more severe medical populations. As a result, weight management programs are on the increase with the majority measuring outcome success through weight loss and decreased body mass index (BMI). It is evident however, that health factors are not the only factors associated with obesity, and that psychosocial components are important as well. The Loma Linda University Growing Fit Program is unique in that …

Body Weight Perceptions And Weight Control Behavior Among Adult Bermudians, Kyla J. Raynor

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Background. Overweight and obesity is a serious public health concern that has major consequences on health and quality of life. As of 2006, 64% of adults in Bermuda were overweight or obese. There remains a gap in the literature related to how adult Bermudians perceive their body weight and body image, and if perceptions of being overweight or obese are associated with weight control behaviors.

Purpose. This study was undertaken to develop a better understanding of the perceptions of ideal body weight, level of overweight, body image and weight control behavior in adult Bermudians.

Methodology. This was a cross-sectional observational …

Attitudes And Beliefs That Predict Taiwanese Older Adults' Intentions To Attend Strength And Balance Training Programs, Shih-Fan Lin

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The rate of participation in the strength and balance training (SBT) program, an effective fall prevention intervention, is very low among older adults. To increase older adults' participations in SBT programs, this study involved an observational and cross-sectional study design to understand factors that affect Taiwanese older adults' intention to attend SBT programs utilizing the theory of planned behavior. Questionnaires that measured constructs of the theory of planned behavior (attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioral control, and behavioral, normative, and control beliefs) were collected from 221 community-dwelling Taiwanese elderly women between the age of 55 and 94. Simple correlations and multiple …