Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Cause For Question: Risk And Postmodern Panic In The Vaccine Safety Debate, Marygrace Trifilio

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis analyzes the thoughts and feelings of non-vaccinating parents in America and argues that contemporary vaccine refusal results from overwhelming information saturation in the Internet age. Non-vaccinating parents express distrust of competing scientific research and call for a return to a more natural, toxin-free lifestyle.

Examining The Lived Experience Of Caregivers Learning A Home Program From A Pediatric Occupational Therapist, Michelle Finet

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the lived experiences of family caregivers as they learned a home program from an occupational therapist for their child. Gaining information from the caregiver on experiences with patient education may enable therapists to develop an understanding of the needs of caregivers during the educational process that occurs when a therapist is giving the caregiver a home program. Meeting the learning needs of the caregivers may possibly reduce the amount of overall therapy needed by the child. This phenomenological approach sought to answer the following research questions: (a) what are the lived experiences …

Regulatory Mechanisms In Borrelia Burgdorferi-Induced Arthritis, Emily Siebers Hansen

Theses and Dissertations

Lyme arthritis is a common symptom of Lyme borreliosis that involves inflammation of the synovial joints. Elucidating the immune events involved in Lyme arthritis is complicated by the fact that not all individuals infected with B. burgdorferi develop arthritis. Additionally, Lyme arthritis manifests in different severities between affected individuals. It is known that an inflammatory response is initiated by B. burgdorferi infection and that inflammatory T cells contribute to the development of arthritis. However, the anti-inflammatory mechanisms that regulate the pathogenic T cells’ response are not entirely understood. Here, the hypothesis that a dysregulated immune response results in an excessive …

The Influences Of Family Supportive Supervisor Behaviors On The Relationships Among Work-Family Conflict, Stress, And Turnover Intention In Saudi Arabian Registered Nurses, Sitah S. Alshutwi

Theses and Dissertations

Many countries around the world are struggling to maintain adequate number of nurses. Inadequate nurse staffing could compromise the quality of patient care. Among many factors that contribute to RN turnover, the influence of work–family conflict (WFC) has gained little attention. In Saudi Arabia, the turnover rate among Saudi nurses reached 50 % of the total employed nurses. Work-family conflict was found to be a reason that influence Saudi nurses to leave their workplace. In addition, WFC was found to be significantly association with increased turnover intention (TI) among employees. Furthermore, WFC has been linked to a number of negative …

The Utility Of Mobile Phones For Health Among Women Living With Hiv In Urban Malawi, Linda Marie Dietrich

Theses and Dissertations

The use of mobile phones are becoming ubiquitous with growing interest by healthcare providers to utilize mobile phone technology for various health-related applications, called mHealth. This is especially true in low-income countries such as those in sub-Saharan Africa. When implementing mHealth applications, it is important to understand the dynamic social, cultural and environmental factors where mHealth will be implemented to ensure that interventions developed are effective. A qualitative study to explore the sociotechnical factors experienced by women participating in an HIV support group in urban Malawi was conducted to enhance our understanding of women’s experience with mobile phone use and …

The Potential Effect Of Breastfeeding On Maternal Senstivity During The First Year Of Life, Sawsan Hammad Hammad

Theses and Dissertations

Background: Poor maternal sensitivity leads to insecure infant attachment, which has been associated with negative consequences in cognitive and mental health in school-aged children that continue into adulthood. Maternal sensitivity is defined as the mother’s ability to recognize and respond to her infant’s cues consistently and appropriately; it is indicative of the interactions between mothers and their infants, which is characterized by mutual and concurrent interchanges, often referred to as the “mother-infant dance” If the mother is able to accurately recognize her infant’s cues, then she can provide an appropriate and secure foundation to encourage the infant’s exploration, watching over …

Patient-Delivered Partner Therapy: Elicitation Research Using A Mixed-Method Study Design To Support The Development Of A Behavioral Intervention For Sexually Transmitted Infection Clinic Patients, Steven Alan John

Theses and Dissertations

The transmission of sexually transmitted infections (i.e., STIs) remains a preventable public health problem within the United States. Repeatedly acquired STIs are highly prevalent despite efficacious treatment options, and mechanisms to increase partner notification are paramount to decreasing reinfections. One mechanism to accelerate the time to partner treatment, increase partner treatment, reduce repeat infections, and reduce community prevalence of STIs is the use of patient-delivered partner therapy (PDPT). PDPT is the practice of providing patients diagnosed with a bacterial STI medication to give directly to their partner for treatment without requiring the partner to participate in diagnostic testing, screening, or …

The Association Of Nurses’ Assessment And Certainty To Pain Management And Outcomes For Nursing Home Residents In Jordan, Mohammad Jamil Rababa

Theses and Dissertations

Despite advances in dementia care Pain in people with dementia is still under recognized, underestimated, and undertreated because of poor assessment, poor treatment, and factors relating to nurses’ critical thinking and decision-making skills. Unrelieved pain leads to many serious negative health outcomes in people with dementia. The purpose of the study was to examine temporally based relationships between change in behavior, the nurses’ level of certainty regarding pain, assessment scope and outcomes of pain and agitation. Relationship between severity of dementia, comorbid burden, ability to verbally self-report symptoms and patient outcomes of pain and agitation was also investigated.

A Convenient …

Video Modeling To Increase Interaction For Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder In A Museum Setting Using An Application On A Tablet, Bethany Miota Miota

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this thesis was to perform an exploratory study to determine if the ScanDo! app intervention is an assistive technology that increases interaction for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in a museum setting. The ScanDo! app intervention presented a video demonstration that modeled the interaction for each learning station by scanning the QR code attached to the station. Using a naturally occurring baseline single-subject design with ABA and reversed ABA phases, two children with ASD and their parents visited the grocery store exhibit at a children’s museum. Observers of the trials and questionnaires completed by parents before …

False Positives On Neuropsychological Measures Of Effort Among Bilingual Neurologically Intact Mexican Americans, Arnoldo Amador Jr.

Theses and Dissertations

The present study examines the performance of bilingual Mexican Americans on neuropsychological measures of effort in language and visual-perceptual formats. Optimal/suboptimal effort cutoff scores derived from monolingual English Speakers were used to test participants divided by language of administration and bilingual groupings based upon Spanish-English difference scores on the Woodcock Munoz Language Survey-Revised Picture Vocabulary subtest. Participants produced more false positives (misidentification of suboptimal effort) on the Reliable Digit Span, a language formatted measure, and similar rates of false positives on visual-perceptual effort measures: Test of Memory Malingering and the Dot Counting Test as compared to established rates using monolingual …

Evaluating Practicum Student's' Therapeutic Effectiveness Using Solution Focused Brief Therapy With Mexican American Clients: A Single Case Design, Krystle L. Ortega

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to examine the effectiveness of a practicum counseling experience on client therapeutic outcomes using Solution Focused Brief Therapy with Mexican American clients. We implemented a small series (N = 3) single-case research design to assess the effectiveness of SFBT for increasing hope and decreasing clinical symptoms. Clients’ clinical areas of functioning and clinically significant change will be evaluated using the Outcome Questionnaire -45.2 whereas hope will be assessed using The Trait Hope Scale. The results of this study will ultimately help researchers in counseling education, counselors, supervisors, and students by providing an outcome …

Type 1 Diabetes: Factors That Affect Youth/Parent Dyads’ Health Related Quality Of Life And Youth Metabolic Control, Joan Pennington Totka

Theses and Dissertations

ABSTRACT

TYPE 1 DIABETES: FACTORS THAT AFFECT YOUTH/PARENT DYADS’ QUALITY OF LIFE AND YOUTH METABOLIC CONTROL

by

Joan Pennington Totka

The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, 2016

Under the Supervision of Professor Julia Snethen

Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) is one of the most psychologically and behaviorally demanding of all chronic illnesses for youth (preadolescents and adolescents) with T1D and their primary caregivers. T1D affects one out of every 400 to 600 youth, making it one of the most common chronic conditions in school-aged youth in the United States. Advances in technology and treatment continue; however, more than 80% of youth do not …

A Feasibility Study Of Using Headspace For Mindfulness Among Individuals Undergoing Surgical Repair Of The Rotator Cuff, Hanna Rae Paul

Theses and Dissertations

Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) have been found to help reduce psychological distress and pain in chronic musculoskeletal conditions. However, very limited evidence exists determining the impact of mindfulness on psychological distress and pain in acute musculoskeletal conditions including rotator cuff tears. Among individuals undergoing surgical repair of a rotator cuff tear, it is not clear how mindfulness may be combined with usual care, given the requirement of intense training as part of frequently used MBI protocols. The purpose of the present study was to determine if it was feasible to combine Headspace, a mobile application for mindfulness training that can be …

The Meaning Of Nursing Education As Described By Students With Learning Disabilities, Jacqueline Lee Reep-Jarmin

Theses and Dissertations

The numbers of students with learning disabilities (LD) in post-secondary education settings is rising (National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), 2016). The Americans with Disabilities Act, Amendments Act was passed in 2008, since that time little research has been done to reflect any impact of the original ADA (1990) being amended. Research is needed about the experiences of students with learning disabilities in higher education, and more specifically nursing education. The purpose of this study was to develop an understanding of the lived experience of nursing education from the perspective of students with learning disabilities, and delineate the essence of …

Preventing Vocal Fold Dehydration Using Aerosolized Salinein An Excised Porcine Model, Mallory Lynn Hansen

Theses and Dissertations

Vocal fold hydration is important for efficient oscillation during voice production. Dehydration of the vocal fold surface is believed to produce adverse effects on the voice. Specifically, low environmental humidity, mouth breathing, and certain medical conditions may contribute to laryngeal and vocal fold dehydration. This dehydration effect may be quantified using the observed pressure and flow at the onset of phonation, operationally defined as phonation threshold pressure (PTP) and phonation threshold flow (PTF), respectively. Previous research has documented that nebulized isotonic saline (0.9% Na+Cl-) can reduce PTP. Additionally, the topical application of liquid saline increases vocal fold hydration in excised …

Development Of Psychometrically Equivalent Speech Recognition Threshold Materials For Native Cebuano Speakers, Melissa Dawn Anderson

Theses and Dissertations

While there is a clear and immediate need for reliable speech audiometry materials to evaluate the speech recognition threshold (SRT), these recorded materials are not available in Cebuano, a language of the Philippines with 15.8 million speakers. The purpose of this study was to develop, digitally record, evaluate, and psychometrically equate a set of Cebuano trisyllabic words for use in measuring the SRT. To create the SRT materials, common Cebuano trisyllabic words were digitally recorded by a male talker of Cebuano and presented for evaluation to 20 native speakers of Cebuano with normal hearing. Based on psychometric performance, a set …

The Ability Of Six Children With Language Impairment To Generate Stories From Pictured Stimuli: A Pilot Study, Molly Roxanne Alldredge

Theses and Dissertations

Narrative production and comprehension is a difficult task for children with language impairment (LI). Their stories are typically shorter and contain more grammatical errors than the stories of typically developing age-matched peers. This pilot study describes the abilities of six children with LI to produce stories from pictured stimuli. Stories were elicited from each child during a 10-week period. Stimulus pictures and coding procedures from the Edmonton Narrative Norms Instrument were employed to analyze the participants' story grammar (SG). Eight SG elements were assessed including character introduction, setting, initiating event (IE), internal response (IR), internal plan (IP), attempt, and outcome. …

Topic Manipulation In Five Children With Language Impairment In Response To Topic Probes, Kimberly Kasey Baker

Theses and Dissertations

This study describes a series of case studies on topic management patterns of five children (ages 5 to 10 years) with language impairment. The children participated in semi-structured topic tasks that assessed conversational abilities on topics that were verbally introduced and topics that were introduced both verbally and with an object. Although there was considerable variability among participants, the children generally responded to most introductions by acknowledging and maintaining the topic. With the exception of one child, however, the children in this study demonstrated immature topic manipulation patterns that could be expected to have negative social ramifications.

Sensitivity Analysis Of Geometry Changes In The Simulation Of Basilar Aneurysms, Paul Eserkaln

Theses and Dissertations

Computer simulation is a useful tool in the research and treatment of basilar aneurysms. Current technology allows researchers to create 3D models from cerebral vasculature in-vivo, allowing for the investigation of surgical options with minimal risk to the patient. The method used to construct these models overlooks smaller lateral arterial branches which are difficult to discern due to resolution limits of the imaging process. These lateral branches have minimal impact on the overall blood flow through the basilar artery, but they play a significant role in the health of the patient, so it is important to ensure sufficient blood will …

The Transcriptional Effects Of Photobiomodulation In An In Vitro Model Of Diabetic Retinopathy, Hannah Jane Therese Fisher

Theses and Dissertations

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the most common complication of diabetes mellitus and a leading cause of blindness. The pathophysiology of DR is complicated, involving inflammation, oxidative stress, retinal vascular proliferation, and vascular degeneration. Symptomatically, the growth and subsequent rupture of vessels within the frame of view leads to the development of vision loss and eventual blindness. Prior to the development of symptoms, oxidative stress involved in DR leads to the activation of the transcription factor, nuclear factor-kB (NF-kB), resulting in the excess production of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), proteins involved in vascular development and …

Childhood Abuse Types And Adult Relational Violence Mediated By Adult Attachment Behaviors And Romantic Relational Aggression In Couples, Tabitha Nicole Webster

Theses and Dissertations

The current study investigated how three distinct types of childhood abuse—witnessing of parental domestic violence, experiencing physical abuse and total in-home violence, and experiencing sexual abuse—predicted partner reports of relational violence through the mediating factors self-perceptions of attachment and partner reports of relational aggression. The study used paired dyadic data from 1,658 couples who had completed the RELATionship Evaluation (RELATE). The Family Violence, the Brief Accessibility and Responsiveness, Couples Relational Aggression and Victimization, and the Conflict Tactics scales were the measures used. Data was analyzed by using structural equation modeling to estimate an actor-partner interdependence model exploring these relationships. Results …

Critical-Care Nurses' Suggestions To Improve End-Of-Life Care Obstacles: Minimal Change Over 17 Years, Kacie Hart Hadley

Theses and Dissertations

Background: Critical-care nurses (CCN) provide end-of life (EOL) care on a daily basis as one in five patients dies while in Intensive Care Units (ICU). CCNs overcome many obstacles to perform quality EOL care for dying patients. Objectives: The purposes of this study were to collect CCNs' current suggestions for improving EOL care and determine if EOL care obstacles have changed by comparing results to data gathered in 1998. Methods: A 72-item questionnaire regarding EOL care perceptions was mailed to a national, geographically dispersed, random sample of 2,000 members of the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses. Nurses were asked for …

Interprofessional Collaboration: Aac, Michelle Bird, Anna Kusior

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Structural And Dynamic Analysis Of Wild And Splice Variants Human Μ-Opiod Receptors In Complex With Morphine And Ibntxa And Human Topoisomerase Ii Alpha Mutational Basis Of Amsacrine Resistance, Safaa Sader

Theses and Dissertations

Morphine prescribing is limited by its high addiction tendency and other serious effects. Recent animal’s biological studies on Mu 6TM splice variants, which mainly include G1, G2 and Mu3, supported a high safety and potency profiles of IBNtxA as potential alternative of Morphine. Nevertheless, there is no high-resolution structures of these 6TM variants, and the detailed structural features and dynamic characteristics of these splice variants remain elusive. We applied homology modeling and MD simulation to probe the structural, dynamic and ligand binding differences between the wild type (7TM) and two major truncated 6TM variants (G1 and G2). MD results underscored …

The United States Medical Licensing Exam (Usmle) And Medical Student Wellness: An Ethnographic Qualitative Study At Cooper Medical School Of Rowan University, Patricia Davis Vanston

Theses and Dissertations

Research indicates that medical students experience unusually high levels of stress, anxiety, depression, and loss of empathy while in medical school. As the number of medical students rises and residency positions remain stagnant, the USMLE receives greater emphasis as a barometer to determine residency placement and future career paths thereby increasing levels of stress among students. Stress is associated with diminished self-care, potentially leading to a negative impact on well-being. This ethnographic, qualitative study sought to examine the extent to which the anticipation of, preparation for, and implications of the USMLE contribute to medical student stress, wellness, and self-care. Through …

Synthetic And Biological Exploration Of (+)-Boldine - Identification Of Potential Cns Receptor Ligands, Sujay Joseph

Theses and Dissertations

(+)-Boldine, an aporphine alkaloid, is reported to be biologically active at various Central Nervous System(CNS) receptors. However, only a few Structure Activity Relationship(SAR) studies have been conducted using boldine’s aporphine scaffold. A library of novel analogs was synthesized from boldine to understand the effect of bisbenzylation at C2 and C9 positions on the affinity and selectivity at the serotonin receptors.

Implementing A Pain Toolkit To Improve Pain Management, Kathleen R. Atkins Dnp, Mary J. Dyck Phd, Nancy L. Novotny Phd, Karen S. Delong Msn

Theses and Dissertations

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of a pain toolkit to improve pain management.

BACKGROUND: The World Health Organization and Joint Commission state effective pain management is a basic human right.

METHODS: Patients’ ratings of pain management on a 25-bed orthopedic/neurology unit three months before and after implementation of a toolkit were compared. The toolkit included bedside report, care board, purposeful hourly rounding, pain algorithm, pain status indicator, and complex pain interventions. The data are comprised of patient responses to the following Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems survey questions: pain control …

Longitudinal Patient Records: A Re-Examination Of The Possibility, Zeanab Hassan Bassi

Theses and Dissertations

It has long been recognized that the Longitudinal Patient Record (LPR) has been defined as “A life-long incremental process where each clinical encounter is merely an updating of the file” (Gabrieli, 1997) Understanding the health condition of patient longitudinally is very important to the care of the patient. However, it is not clear to what extent a longitudinal patient record is in fact possible, since a true longitudinal patient record would need to include all information for a patient, from cradle to grave, across all healthcare providers and systems, across all corporate or geographic or national boundaries. Compiling or maintaining …

Ipad Application For Pain Assessment In Youths With Developmental Disabilities And Complex Communication Needs, Alyssa Rose Guard

Theses and Dissertations

Aims: Development of a new pain assessment for youths with communication challenges. The Guard-Putzer Pain Assessment Domains (gPAD) for the iPad was designed and tested as a more universally accessible way for youths, ages 7-to-12 years, with a developmental disability (DD) to express their private pain experiences through self-report. Methods: A two-phase process developed the design for an app, created an interactive prototype, and tested its face validity and user interface. This work included a review of current assessments and pain apps as well as completed a survey to obtain descriptive data on clinical practicality of the gPAD. Fifteen occupational …

Essays On Health And Labor Market Practices In The U.S., Mona Khadem Sameni

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation investigates the link between different aspects of labor market and individuals’ health. The first chapter analyzes the relationship between the use of four different substances and nonstandard work schedules. Using the NLSY97 and applying standard panel techniques as well as survival analyses, I find that contrary to most previous evidence, nonstandard work schedule is not necessarily associated with an increase in substance use, and in the case of drinking and binge drinking such correlation is actually negative. Evidence also suggests that drug prone individuals tend to work more at nonstandard schedules. Results are robust to the specification at …