Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

The Relationship Between Glucose Levels And Physical Activity, Rebecca Eberle

Health, Human Performance and Recreation Undergraduate Honors Theses

Abstract: Background/Introduction: Elevated glucose levels can increase the risk of diseases, such as metabolic syndrome and Type 2 Diabetes. Thus, knowing glucose levels is important to indicate the likelihood of future health complications. Unfortunately, many young adults do not know their glucose levels. Purpose: The purpose of this research study was to complete a cross- sectional study and determine associations between fasting glucose with physical activity, and fitness. I hypothesized more physical activity, and higher fitness, will result in a lower, fasting glucose level. Methodology: This study examined 26 participants aged 18-25. The participants completed an 8-hour fasted glucose measurement, …

Service Learning In Bolgatanga, Ghana: Women’S Health Teaching —Empowering School-Aged Girls In An Underdeveloped Nation—, Margaret Temofeew

The Eleanor Mann School of Nursing Undergraduate Honors Theses

In this service learning experience, I noticed cultural, economic, and educational barriers to menstrual hygiene in Bolgatanga, Ghana. These barriers affect the health and education of school-aged girls in Bolgatanga.

The Impact Of Stress On The Menstrual Cycle, Katherine Iris Gilbrech

The Eleanor Mann School of Nursing Undergraduate Honors Theses

Background/Purpose

Reproductive health is an important indicator of a woman’s overall health; however, menstruation is often viewed negatively in modern society. Across the nation, women are suffering with issues related to hormones and menstruation. Evidence continues to surface linking high levels of stress to negative health outcomes. The purpose of this literature review is to assess the effects of stress and stress reduction of the menstrual cycle in naturally-cycling women of reproductive age.

Methods

Peer-reviewed research within the past five years was selected for this review using the U.S. National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health. A variety of …

Reflection And Literature Review On Loving Choices Pregnancy Center Internship, Madison Stave

The Eleanor Mann School of Nursing Undergraduate Honors Theses

This honors thesis involves a personal reflection and literature review of a nurse internship at Loving Choices Pregnancy Center in Fayetteville, AR. The purpose of this internship was to provide a learning experience in women’s and obstetrical health. Responsibilities included completing community resource projects and assisting staff and nurses in the Care Center and Pregnancy Clinic. To satisfy honors requirements, five learning objectives were created during the internship. These objectives were all met and reflected upon in the first part of this thesis. The second portion of this thesis involves a literature review of the socioeconomic and health-related risks of …

A Protocol To Increase Referral Rates To Diabetic Education, David M. Rokser

Evidence-Based Practice Project Reports

In 2015, approximately 30.3 million Americans, including 10.5% of the population of Minnesota, had been diagnosed with diabetes mellitus (American Diabetes Association, 2019). Increased risk of diabetic complications including neuropathy, retinopathy, nephropathy, cardiovascular disease, and chronic wounds has been associated with an elevated hemoglobin A1C (HgA1C). Formal diabetic education has been shown to be a cost-effective intervention to reduce HgA1C. The Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion published an objective within HealthyPeople 2020 that seeks to increase the percentage of diabetics receiving formal diabetic education in the United States from 46.9% of adults to 58.4%. The purpose of this …

Take A Shot: The Effect Of A Multicomponent Strategy To Increase Meningitis B Vaccination Rates, Valerie Cline

Evidence-Based Practice Project Reports

Neisseria meningitidis is the major cause of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) (Peterson et al, 2018). Approximately 10-15 percent of IMD cases result in debility including neurological impairment, amputation, and death (Peterson et al, 2018). Outbreaks of IMD are sporadic and unpredictable. The incidence of IMD varies geographically, but serogroup B has become more prevalent in recent years. Meningitis-B (Men-B) has been the cause of several university outbreaks on different US college campuses since 2013.The purpose of this project was to implement an intervention at a midwestern university student health center to help students understand the risk of the disease and …

The Effects Of A Nutritional Intervention On Healthy Eating Habits And Body Mass Index, Kelley Eshenaur

Evidence-Based Practice Project Reports

In the US, overweight and obesity are growing concerns, as both can have life altering consequences if not prevented or treated. Since 2000, there has been nearly a 10% increase of adults who are obese, from 30.5% (85.8 million) to 39.8% (93.9 million) in 2016 (CDC, 2017). These conditions are preventable with early intervention and motivation. Obesity statistics are especially of interest during the transition to young adulthood. The purpose of this project was to improve student outcomes by identifying barriers, effective strategies, and healthy choices that would ultimately impact weight, increasing healthy food choices, and decreasing overall BMI in …

Effectiveness Of A Multi-Component Intervention Program For Treating Childhood Obesity, Suzy Free

Evidence-Based Practice Project Reports

Childhood obesity is one of the most chronic childhood illness worldwide (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2019; World Health Organization [WHO], 2019). The prevalence of childhood obesity has been described as one of the most common chronic childhood conditions (CDC). The purpose of this evidence-based practice (EBP) project was to reduce the BMI scores of obese children using a multi-component intervention program that incorporates healthy eating, physical activity, and family involvement. The Johns Hopkins Nursing Evidence-Based Practice (JHNEBP) model was used to facilitate the implementation of this EBP project. The synthesis of the appraised literature established that utilizing …

Does Access To Telephone Counseling Improve Smoking Cessation In Disadvantaged Populations?, Karin Warden-Thomas

Evidence-Based Practice Project Reports

Tobacco usage leads to the development of a multitude of diseases. Years of research have shown that evidence-based interventions such as counseling and pharmacotherapy increase smoking quit rates. Studies have demonstrated that either proactive or reactive telephone counseling has been beneficial in providing long term smoking abstinence particularly in disadvantaged populations (Haas et al., 2015). The purpose of the project was to improve smoking cessation by facilitating access to telephone counseling using an electronic medical order. The Stevens Star Model of Knowledge Transformation (Stevens, 2004), was the framework employed to support the process for change. This evidenced-based project occurred at …

Delivery Mode For Prolonged, Obstructed Labour Resulting In Obstetric Fistula: A Retrospective Review Of 4396 Women In East And Central Africa, C. J. Ngongo, T. J. Raassen, L. Lombard, J Van Roosmalen, S. Weyers, Marleen Temmerman

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East Africa

Objective: To evaluate the mode of delivery and stillbirth rates over time among women with obstetric fistula.

Design: Retrospective record review.

Setting: Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya, Malawi, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, Zambia and Ethiopia.

Population: A total of 4396 women presenting with obstetric fistulas for repair who delivered previously in facilities between 1990 and 2014.

Methods: Retrospective review of trends and associations between mode of delivery and stillbirth, focusing on caesarean section (CS), assisted vaginal deliveries and spontaneous vaginal deliveries.

Main outcome measures: Mode of delivery, stillbirth.

Results: Out of 4396 women with fistula, 3695 (84.1%) delivered a stillborn baby. Among …

Reducing Catheter Associated Urinary Tract Infection (Cauti) Rates Benchmark Study, Tendai B. Shambare

MSN Capstone Projects

Abstract

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) make up to about 40 % of all healthcare associated infections, and about 13,000 patients die yearly from Catheter Associated Urinary Tract Infections (CAUTI) complications. Urinary catheters at times maybe unjustified or inappropriate, which can potentially create increased hospital costs, patient discomfort and pain, length of hospital stay. And even death. The longer the catheter is left in place also increases the patient’s risk of developing a CAUTI. CAUTI bundle packages have been found to be effective in reducing CAUTI rates when used consistently. The bundle is a combination of evidence-based practice policies, nurse and …

Social Support As A Risk Factor Of Postpartum Depression Among Women Of Various Ethnicity, Jingle Xu

MSN Capstone Projects

Postpartum depression is considered the most important mental disorder after delivery because of the high prevalence and the serious negative mother-baby outcomes. Education and support of mothers for postpartum depression are deeply held values of nursing care during pregnancy and the postpartum period (Ladewig, London & Davidson, 2014). Risk factors are the common target of these interventions, among which social support is one of the most popular factors in research currently. Social support is composed of instrumental, informational, and emotional support given by a social network to maintain an individual’s mental health status when they are faced with significant or …

Impact Of Skin To Skin Contact Implemented In The Operating Room, Michelle K. Reno

MSN Capstone Projects

Healthcare is constantly advancing and adapting to provide the latest evidence-based care for patients and their families. This has become especially true with families deciding where they want to deliver their babies. Family-Centered Maternity Care (FCMC) has become the leading force behind providing care for women and their babies in the hospital setting (Zwelling & Phillips, 2001). One of the main nursing practices promoted under FCMC is that of mother-baby couplet care. The main goal of couplet care is to keep mothers and babies together throughout their hospital stay. This type of care also provides stability and consistency in nursing …

The Effects Of Somatosensory Input On Gait In Individuals Post-Stroke, Victor Hung, Amanda Reilly, Rachel Wood, Nikita Yuskov

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Background and Purpose: Stroke is a leading cause of disability that results in various neurological deficits, one of which is hemiplegia. This deficit alters the gait cycle, resulting in decreased propulsion force by plantar flexor muscles, decreased activation of dorsiflexor (DF) muscles, and increased coactivation of antagonistic ankle muscles. Stroke also leads to altered somatosensory input which results in decreased balance and gait speed, ultimately increasing fall risk. Therapies targeting increased somatosensory input have been shown to be beneficial in stroke as well as other neurological populations. However, no known studies have investigated the acute effects of local vibration to …

The Presence Of Legionellae In Respiratory Devices: Convenience Sampling Of Idaho Long Term Care Facilities, Andrew Nutting

Boise State University Theses and Dissertations

Legionella is a bacterium found naturally in moist environments. Persons can become infected when they inhale airborne droplets of water containing such bacteria. Legionellosis cases associated with the use of respiratory devices such as Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) units, jet nebulizers, portable room humidifiers, and respiratory ventilation equipment have been identified in context of a Legionellosis outbreak. However, a systematic search for the presence of Legionella bacteria in respiratory devices outside of a Legionellosis outbreak has not been reported. The goal of this study was to carry out such a survey on different types of respiratory devices in long …

Point-Of-Care Reminders To Prompt Provider Adherence With Diabetes Care Guidelines For Adults, Eric E. Spohn

Evidence-Based Practice Project Reports

Diabetes is a complex, chronic illness, and a leading cause of morbidity and mortality (ODPHP, 2019). Gaps in diabetes care exist between clinical guidelines and interventions provided in the clinical setting (ADA, 2015; Chauhan et al., 2017; Renders et al., 2001; Worswick et al., 2013). Improved diabetes management strategies and interventions among healthcare providers are essential to close the quality gap. The purpose of this evidenced-based practice (EBP) project was to prompt providers to adhere to diabetes care guidelines using a paper point-of-care reminder over a 12-week period. Provider performance rates covering four specific guidelines were measured: HbA1c, microalbuminuria, diabetic …

Covid-19 Pandemic & Skin Care Guidelines For Health Care Professionals, Sadia Masood, Saadia Tabassum, Shaheen Naveed, Palwasha Jalil

Section of Internal Medicine

The Novel corona virus is bringing multiple challenges for health care professionals. Skin is the biggest organ and the first line of defense against different infections and external factors. Being the front line warriors, health care professionals are susceptible to various skin conditions due to prolonged use of personal protective equipment. These adverse skin conditions are redness, irritation, itching, contact dermatitis, and aggravation of underlying skin conditions like seborrheic dermatitis and acne vulgaris. In the current global situation, the potential incidence of such adverse dermatological effects does not in any manner cause the HCPs to deviate from the strict specific …

Increasing Csumb Staff's Knowledge Of Healthy Sleep Habits, Jordan Berg

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Most people today practice poor sleep habits and follow common misconceptions of sleep that do not allow them to maintain the quality and quantity of sleep they need for optimal wellness and functioning. Being sleep deprived puts people at greater risk for serious physical and cognitive health issues. Therefore, I created a 1-day lesson concerning how sleep can affect health and how to practice better sleep hygiene strategies for staff members employed in offices at the Alumni and Visitor Center at California State University, Monterey Bay.

Mental Health And You, Sierra Salvatierra

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

The Latinx community at the Epicenter in Salinas dealt with mental health illnesses, as well as were brought up with machismo attitudes. This population has a strong stigma against getting help with their mental health. Being faced with immigration, poverty, discrimination and inadequite conversations about health, drives a spike in anxiety levels. Consequences of not dealing with mental health illnesses include unresolved emotions are generational trauma, self harm, substance abuse, and unhealthy relationships. The project created to get in front of this problem was a dialogue series of conversation starters for people who want to open up. The purpose of …

Flourishing Gardens In Peoples Lives, Ramiro Rocha

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Mesa Verde Gardens has been a great asset in the Watsonville and Pajaro area by providing a unique way for people to live healthier lives. The community gardens have given people an opportunity to reach new standards for themselves. The organic produce being grown out of the seven different gardens in the area has accommodated the gardeners with delicious food for the entire season. In order to grow Mesa verde Gardens, an outreach project was conducted to allow people to familiarize with all seven gardens. These events included fundraisers, door to door outreach, and participation in community gatherings like festivals. …

The Healing Properties Of Interactive Art: Creating A Proposal For Art Within A Hospital Environment, Alexandra Chase

Theses/Capstones/Creative Projects

The consumption of art and interaction with it can be beneficial to individuals in many different ways. Play and exploration engage the mind and can have positive effects, no matter how small. Within a medical setting, this type of interactive art can promote healing within patients by engaging their bodies and minds. With these ideas in mind, the Children’s Hospital and Medical Center (CHMC) put out a call for an interactive sculpture piece to be created for their upcoming building expansion. My piece, Garden Lanterns, was then conceptualized in order to fulfill their requirements and embrace the idea of providing …

The Role Of Culture In Engaging The Senior Population In Omaha, Ne, Jamie Bish

Theses/Capstones/Creative Projects

In recent years, the senior care industry has become the focus of many public health initiatives as we have come to better understand the significance of our aging population (Olivari et al., 2020). Between the years 2010 and 2050, the population of the United States over 65 years is expected to more than double, from 40.5 to 89 million (Dall et al., 2013). While this data provides a national outlook, further research is needed to determine local impacts. This project centers on developing a better understanding of the demographics of seniors in the Omaha-Council Bluffs Metropolitan Statistical Area and how …

The Impact Of Healing Arts On Students At The University Of Nebraska At Omaha, Wala Albahrani

Theses/Capstones/Creative Projects

A recently emerging way to decrease stress of individuals is by practicing therapeutic art. The aim of this form of therapy is to provide a sense of expression and relief to individuals who suffer from constant anxiety and stress. Therapeutic art can be performed by a therapy session where an individual express themselves using art to communicate their thoughts and emotions. Since this form of therapy does not require artistic sense or skills, many individuals can benefit from it. Moreover, another form of this therapy is surrounding stressed individuals with calming art, such as photography, music, sculpture, and painting, etc. …

“Disbelieving Black Women To Death”; The “Double Jeopardy”: Racism And Sexism Affects Black Women’S Access To And Quality Of Care During Pregnancy, Birth, And Postpartum, Madeline St. Clair

Theses/Capstones/Creative Projects

This paper explores possible reasons why Black women in the United States experience a higher maternal mortality rate than their white counterparts. Using books, articles, journals, documentaries, personal experiences and stories of Black women and mothers, I argue that barriers from the societal to the individual level create health and medical disparities for Black mothers in pregnancy, during delivery, and the postpartum period. The paper concludes with a multifaceted solution and call to action.

Effects Of Latinx Parental English Proficiency On Stress, Maria Alvarez Pineda

Student Research Posters

In the United States, patients who have Limited English Proficiency (LEP) report having more problems communicating with their children’s doctors (Eneriz-Wieme et al., 2014) and experiencing more discrimination (Zhang et al., 2012) which can lead to increased psychological distress (Torres et al., 2012). The goal of this study was to determine if level of English Proficiency is related to stress levels and discrimination among Latinx parents. Participants consisted of 22 Latinx parents (86.4% Mexican and 90.9% female) in the San Francisco Bay Area. The Acute Stress Appraisals scale (Mendes, et al., 2007) measured parents' stress levels before and after an …

Exploring The World Of On Time Pediatric Power Mobility, Lauren Hanna

OTD Capstone Projects

Children with delayed or impaired self-initiated mobility are deprived of critical developmental learning experiences. All children deserve access to ON TIME mobility. The Explorer Mini is the first power mobility device in the world to provide ON TIME mobility to children 12-36 months.

Guatemala Indigenous Municipalities: Covid-19 Knowledge, Attitudes, And Practices, Population Council

Poverty, Gender, and Youth

This presentation recounts findings on COVID-19 knowledge, attitudes, and practices in Guatemala’s indigenous municipalities. A total of 144 phone-based key informant interviews were conducted from April 14–18, 2020, in ten municipalities. Key informants included indigenous women, heads of households, teachers, community leaders, municipal officers, and frontline health workers. Recommendations include: 1) intensifying government efforts to deliver accurate information on the prevention of COVID-19 to indigenous communities with a focus on developing a COVID-19 roadmap for community action after the first case is identified in a given municipality, and considering alternatives for self-isolation for the poorest households; 2) conveying tailored, actionable …

Guatemala: Covid-19 Knowledge, Attitudes And Practices—Perspectives From 144 Key Informants In 10 Indigenous Municipalities, Population Council

Poverty, Gender, and Youth

NOTE: This brief represents research in progress. Content has not been peer reviewed, and this version may be updated with additional analyses in subsequent publications.

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The Population Council has a longstanding partnership with indigenous communities through the Abriendo Oportunidades program. Our experience working in indigenous settings has allowed us to witness a lack of indigenous inclusion in government activities. To better understand indigenous knowledge, perspectives, and needs related to the COVID-19 pandemic in Guatemala, we conducted 144 key informant interviews using mobile phones in ten municipalities from April 14–18, 2020. This brief describes highlights of the key informant interviews; …

Bangladesh: Covid-19 Knowledge, Attitudes, Practices And Needs, Population Council

Poverty, Gender, and Youth

No abstract provided.

Second Messenger Cyclic-Di-Gmp Regulation In Acinetobacter Baumannii, Justin Deal

Undergraduate Honors Theses

Over time, “superbugs,” or bacteria that have become resistant to antibiotics, have become a great concern in modern medicine. Viable alternates are currently being looked into as effective and safe ways to prevent or treat infections caused by these superbugs. One such method is through the utilization of the second messenger molecule cyclic-di-GMP (c-di-GMP) that has been shown to regulate phenotypes within other bacteria that may control surface colonization in Acinetobacter baumannii. Through a series of experiments, the active enzymes that create c-di-GMP - diguanylate cyclases - and break down c-di- GMP - phosphodiesterases - have been inactivated in …