Impact Of Processed Food On Heart Health, Elizabeth Moxley

Faculty Peer-Reviewed Publications

Impact of Processed Food on Heart Health

March 14, 2024|Elizabeth Moxley

Cardiovascular disease (CVD), particularly atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), remains the leading cause of death on a global scale.^[i],[ii] CVD is also the leading cause of death in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D), specifically in low- and middle-income countries.^[iii] In spite of the improvement in ASCVD outcomes in recent decades, pervasive levels of ASCVD morbidity and mortality continue to be unfavorable.^[iv] According to the American Heart Association,⁵ effectively promoting dietary improvements and engagement in regular physical activity help prevent the ongoing risk …

Age, Body Mass Index, Physical Activity And Quality Of Life In Turkish Pregnant Woman With And Without A Diagnosis Of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: A Comparative Study, Yaren Nur Tayyar, Hatice Kahyaoglu Sut

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: This study aimed to examine and compare the age, body mass index (BMI), physical activity (PA), and quality of life (QOL) of third-trimester Turkish pregnant women with and without a diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

Methods: A comparative study was conducted in the obstetrics clinic of a university hospital in Turkey, and it included 210 women (GDM women = 105 and non-GDM women = 105). Personal Information Form, International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ), and World Health Organization Quality of Life-Short Form-Turkish (WHOQOL-Bref-TR) were used.

Results: The age and BMI of GDM women were higher …

Comparison Of Physical Activity Levels Among School-Age Adolescents In The Rural And Urban Areas Of District Swat Kpk, Pakistan- An Analytical Cross-Sectional Study, Imran Uddin

Theses & Dissertations

Background: Obesity and overweight represent significant global public health concerns. Young adolescents are in particular increasingly experiencing obesity and overweight due to their sedentary lifestyles, excessive electronic media use, and lack of physical activity (PA). This trend is linked to the development of non-communicable diseases in later life. Moreover, data regarding the lack of PA is available in Pakistan, but a gap exists in the comparative analysis of physical activity levels between rural and urban adolescents. Rural and urban areas exhibit distinctions in both geographical settings and technological advancements, potentially influencing the PA levels of their respective inhabitants.
Purpose: The …

Initiating A Childhood Obesity Screening Process In An Urban Pediatric Office, Kesha Thomas

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Background: The benefit of identifying a pediatric patient with obesity is to prevent many chronic health conditions that can occur from diabetes. Pediatric patients can be at risk for prediabetes, low self-esteem, and musculoskeletal issues. The patients that are at higher risk for childhood obesity are African American and Hispanics.

Purpose: The Doctor of Nursing Practice project aims to identify a pediatric patient that is obese to make sure that the patient is assessed appropriately and to discuss an appropriate intervention for the patient. To make sure all pediatrics have an accurate height, weight, and A1C during their well-child visit. …

Use Of Electronic Ecological Momentary Assessment Methodologies In Physical Activity, Sedentary Behavior, And Sleep Research In Young Adults: Systematic Review, Kimberly R. Hartson, Luz Huntington-Moskos, Clara G. Sears, Gina Genova, Cara Mathis, Wessly Ford, Ryan E. Rhodes

Faculty Scholarship

Background: Recent technological advances allow for the repeated sampling of real-time data in natural settings using electronic ecological momentary assessment (eEMA). These advances are particularly meaningful for investigating physical activity, sedentary behavior, and sleep in young adults who are in a critical life stage for the development of healthy lifestyle behaviors.

Objective: This study aims to describe the use of eEMA methodologies in physical activity, sedentary behavior, and sleep research in young adults.

Methods: The PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Embase, and Web of Science electronic databases were searched through August 2022. Inclusion criteria were use of eEMA; sample of young adults …

Exercise As A Prescription For Patients With Depressive Disorders: A Quality Improvement Project, Sydney Roscoe, Rachelle Pace

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Manuscripts

Purpose: The aim of this Doctor of Nursing Practice project was to increase exercise counseling rates in the treatment of depression by (1) implementing a focused educational training program and (2) understanding factors that impacted utilization of the practice change.

Background: Approximately 280 million individuals suffer globally from depressive disorders. Depression remains the fourth leading cause of disabilities, significantly contributing toward the global burden of disease by increasing morbidity and mortality risk. Psychopharmacology and psychotherapy are current gold standards of treatment; however, providers often overlook the significant role exercise serves in reducing depressive symptoms and severity, as it remains underutilized. …

A Prescription For Exercise In Adolescents: A Pilot Project, Alexa Sikalis

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Manuscripts

Purpose: The purpose of this evidence based practice project was to increase physical activity (PA) times in pediatric patients who were not meeting the recommended guidelines of 60 minutes per day of activity. The goal was to educate adolescents on the benefits of exercise in order to increase their overall PA, even if it did not meet the recommended 60 minutes per day. The implemented education was also intended to motivate patients to establish healthy habits and minimize risks of poor health outcomes.

Background: Adolescence is characterized by development of neuronal plasticity and establishment of behavioral patterns. PA …

A Lifestyle Modification Intervention In Hispanic Adolescents With Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease, Brianne Miller

Evidence-Based Practice Project Reports

U.S. population studies have confirmed that the Hispanic population has the highest prevalence and the worst prognosis for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) (Katz et al., 2021). The purpose of this evidence-based practice project was to implement a multicomponent, lifestyle modification intervention in Hispanic pediatric primary care patients to combat the disease process and sequela of NAFLD. The PICOT question for this project was: In Hispanic adolescents aged 10-21 with obesity and NAFLD (P), what is the effect of a multicomponent, lifestyle modification intervention (I), on alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (O), over a 12-week time period (T)? A comprehensive literature search …

Sit Less, Move More: A National Study Of Physical-Activity Behavior And Cancer, Stella O. Nwogugu

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Background: Physical activity is associated with lower risks of cancer, the second leading cause of death among Americans. Yet, sedentary behavior is the prevailing lifestyle for about 80% of American adults. Additionally, cancer survivors remain significantly inactive, even though physical activity has been shown to decrease risk of cancer and cancer recurrence, improve tolerance of cancer therapy, and reduce mortality. This research explores the relative impact of personal agency, social support, and key demographic variables on physical-activity behavior for a national sample of adults as well as how these relationships differ for cancer survivors and their counterparts.

Methods: Using the …

Combating The Sedentary Lifestyle In A Rural North Carolina Community, Kelsey Toliver Watts

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

A rural North Carolina community is experiencing an increase in inactivity, obesity, and comorbidities. The project leader collaborated with the local health department and recreation department to implement community walking events. The events aimed to promote physical activity while providing education to the residents as to why physical activity is important. The project leader used optional pre-walking event and post-walking event surveys to assess activity change and increased knowledge. Out of the 90 attendees, 68% completed the pre-event survey and 14% responded to the post-event survey. This created limited data available for follow-up. All participants who completed the follow-up plan …

A Lifestyle Management Coaching Intervention For Fear Of Cancer Recurrence In Young Breast Cancer Survivors, Lisa R. Murphy

DNP Research Projects

Abstract

Objective: A significant challenge facing young breast cancer (BC) survivors is learning how to manage fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) during survivorship. Limited tailored FCR interventions and age-appropriate support exist. This Doctor of Nursing (DNP) project, based upon best practice guidelines, aimed to evaluate how a Lifestyle Management Coaching Intervention (LMCI) could help young female BC survivors learn how to decrease and manage their FCR more effectively and experience improved health outcomes.

Method: Eligible participants were female BC survivors aged 18-59 with Stage I-III BC demonstrating elevated baseline FCR screening scores during the extended survival period recruited from the …

Mental Health Benefits Of Physical Activity In Older Adults, Adrian Kurt Zitzmann

Master of Science in Nursing Family Nurse Practitioner

Physical activity is the fountain of youth, strengthening both the physical body as well as the mind, leading to better emotional stability and a general sense of well-being. The population over age 65 is nearing retirement age and are transitioning from a high paced work and family life to a slower and less active “empty nest” lifestyle. Among adults over age 65, will implementing an exercise program for 30 minutes per day increase mental well-being? The benefits of physical activity will be supported by gathering a group of older adults ages 65 and up from a local retirement community to …

Hdl Cholesterol: Too Much Of A Good Thing? Cardiovascular, Elizabeth Moxley

Faculty Peer-Reviewed Publications

It is considered a well-established fact that high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) is a robust, inverse predictor of the risk of experiencing an atherosclerotic cardiovascular (ASCVD) event.[i] Whereas, low HDL-C characterizes an atherogenic dyslipidemia that reflects adverse lifestyle choices, impaired metabolism, and increased cardiovascular risk.[ii]

Implementation Of Provider Education Regarding Exercise As Adjunctive Treatment For Common Mental Health Diagnoses, Lauren Grace Martin

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Mental and physical health are inextricably linked. The advent of the Covid-19 pandemic reduced physical activity levels while worsening mental health symptoms. Pharmacological treatments are frequently used to treat mental health conditions; however, side effects can worsen metabolic issues. There is significant evidence that exercise can improve mental health conditions. The purpose of this project was to utilize provider education as an intervention to increase the use of exercise as an adjunctive treatment in the psychiatric treatment plan. This project was implemented at Nevada Mental Health, an outpatient behavioral health clinic in Las Vegas, Nevada. The investigator conducted a chart …

Implementing A Structured Walking Program For Prek Through 8th Grade Teachers, Caitlin M. Kile, Robin Harris, Robin Bowden

Graduate Publications and Other Selected Works - Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Physical inactivity has become a significant health concern not only in the United States but worldwide. Adults are becoming sedentary due to sitting at work and school, computer use, and motorized transportation. During the COVID-19 pandemic, teachers experienced increased workloads, increased sedentary work time for virtual classes, and longer work hours. A PreK-8^th grade school system in the southeastern United States had health promotion and prevention programs for students but no health and wellness programs for teachers. Wellness programs can promote physical health and less worker absenteeism. At the completion of a 12-week walking program, the teacher's weekly time …

Physical Activity, Daily Step Counts And Functional Ability In Older Adults: Using Nhanes Database, Chunfang(Maggie) Chen

Doctoral Dissertations

Maintaining functional ability and independence are essential in the healthcare of older adults. Physical activity(PA) has been acknowledged as effective and economical health promotion strategies in older population. However, the amount of PA needed to maintain functional ability in older adults remains unclear. This investigation used PRISM Dose-response Curves Stimulation Variable slope model to explore the relationships between the amount of PA and functional ability in community-dwelling young-old, middle-old and old-old age group adults. ANOVA analysis was used to examine the relationship between functional ability and self-perceived active level changes compared to 10 years ago. NHANES 2005-2006 older participants datasets …

Increased Access To Physical Activity For School-Aged Children In Community Settings, Kathleen Cobb, Alexandra Peary, Ashley Ricker, Leah Wilcox

Non-Thesis Student Work

Childhood obesity has reached unprecedented levels in the United States, which often continues into adulthood. Physical activity (PA) has shown to be an effective strategy in combating obesity in children by improving cardiovascular health and decreasing metabolic disease in adulthood. This literature review explored the effect of increased access to PA opportunities in community settings on the amount of time children ages 5-18 spent being physically active. Search of the literature included Google Scholar and CINAHL databases using the following terms: “child*,” “obesity,” “physical activity OR exercise,” “built environment,” and “school.” Inclusion criteria included peer-reviewed articles published from 2017-2022 with …

Prevalence Of Health-Risk Behaviours Among Indigenous Australians With Diabetes: A Review, Sharon Atkinson-Briggs, Alicia Jenkins, Christopher Ryan, Laima Brazionis

Journal of the Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians are at high risk of Type 2 diabetes and its complications. Optimal lifestyle choices can improve health outcomes. A thematic review of original research publications related to smoking, nutrition, alcohol intake, physical activity and emotional wellness in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians with diabetes was performed. Overall, 7118 English-language publications were identified by search engines (PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, Medline-Web of Science, and Google Scholar) with search terms Indigenous Australians OR Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders AND diabetes AND lifestyle OR smoking OR nutrition OR alcohol OR physical activity OR emotional wellbeing and their …

Wearable Activity Trackers For Women: Motivating Factors For Increasing Physical Activity, Danielle A. Bate

Theses and Dissertations

Half of American women do not sustain recommended levels of physical activity (PA). Wearable activity trackers (WATs) may increase both awareness of, and PA if worn daily. Thus, WATs should include features and designs that encourage daily use. This study aimed to determine WAT features and designs most appealing to women and the motivational effects of various WATs. For this mixed-method pilot study, 15 women each trialed three WATs; documented daily PA levels; and rated their satisfaction with each device's comfort, features, and motivational effect. Additionally, participants shared experiences and feedback in focus groups. Features that promote adoption of WATs …

Lifestyle Modification Interventions On Hemoglobin A1c Level In Patients With Type Ii Diabetes Mellitus In An Underserved Community: A Pilot Project, Anniesatu Newland

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Manuscripts

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a pandemic of great concern among the nutrition-related non-communicable diseases. Its prevalence is mounting worldwide, particularly in underserved communities and minority groups. In 2019, 463 million people were diagnosed with T2DM, a number expected to increase to 578 million by 2030 globally. The prevalence of T2DM is increasing the mortality rate from cardiovascular complications. The social and health costs of treating this disease is currently 11% of the global health budget. This project aims to utilize an evidence-based approach to assess lifestyle interventions' effectiveness at decreasing the Hemoglobin A1c levels in T2DM individuals after …

The Implementation Of An Evidence-Based Intervention To Increase Physical Activity In Overweight And Obese Children, Mollie Katherine Dowland

Graduate Publications and Other Selected Works - Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Abstract

Background: Childhood obesity is an expanding issue of social and medical concern that requires a multidisciplinary approach for prevention and treatment (Ross et al., 2014). With 13.7 million children and adolescents in The United States considered overweight or obese, it is evident that change needs to transpire. Literature supports the use of behavioral incentives to increase a child’s physical activity, maintain or decrease weight, and improve body mass index (BMI) over time (Allafi, A., 2020; Finkelstein, E. et al., 2013; Groffik, D. et al, 2008; Staiano, A. et al., 2017).

Methods: This project executed change through the facilitation of …

End The Stigma: Strategies To Improve Mental Health, Alexia M. Frantzeskakis

Honors Projects

The project discusses coping strategies that students can utilize to improve their mental health. A paper, along with five fliers that will be distributed to incoming freshmen were developed. Each flier discusses a different coping strategy on the following topics: physical activity, mindfulness, social media use, routines, and resources available to students in the community.

Increasing Physical Activity In Women With Obesity To Promote Weight Loss, Ashley N. Kohler

Evidence-Based Practice Project Reports

Obesity is a chronic disease associated with a multitude of lifelong chronic illnesses. Obesity impacts more than 42% of the United States population (CDC, 2021b). Physical inactivity is a major determinant of obesity (Muerer et al., 2019). The purpose of this evidence-based practice (EBP) project was to promote a greater reduction in body mass index (BMI) of the participants enrolled in an existing wellness program at the EBP practice site by increasing the physical activity level of the participants compared to standard protocol. The existing wellness program’s standard protocol included diet modifications, physical activity encouragement, and medication management. The EBP …

The Effects Of Exercise And Nursing Care On Postpartum Depression, Greyson Whaley

Epsilon Sigma at-Large Research Conference

Abstract

Introduction and Background: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2020), “postpartum depression is depression that occurs after having a baby which is more intense and lasts longer than those of “baby blues,” a term used to describe the worry, sadness, and tiredness many women experience after having a baby.” It also states, “1 in 8 women report symptoms of depression after giving birth, about 1 in 5 (20%) women were not asked about depression during a prenatal visit, and over half (50%) of pregnant women with depression were not treated.”

Purpose Statement: The purpose of this …

Physical Activity Assessment And Staff Education For Oncology Nurses, Laurie Jean Tyer

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Physical activity and mobility are key indicators of treatment and disease tolerance in cancer patients. Patients are living longer during and after cancer treatment, and staying active prevents many side effects of the disease and the treatment. Staying mobile also prevents some conditions from occurring including bone and muscle loss. A nursing educational platform was identified as a need in the facility site’s cancer center on the importance of patients staying physically active throughout cancer treatment. Nurses did not feel confident to coach patients on their activity levels which was an identified gap in their nursing practice. A nursing educational …

Dnp Project Active Anson, Melissa C. Griffin

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Objectives: To implement and evaluate the effectiveness of using a mobile app to encourage hospital workers to increase their physical activity.

Methods: Project was open and advertised to all hospital employees in a small rural community hospital in the south-eastern United States through flyers, bulletin boards, emails, banners and in-person registration assistance. Registered participants completed a 30-day walking challenge and recorded their daily step counts. Participants received a gift bag with fitness items such as water bottles. The three highest step count participants were awarded prizes. Weekly prize drawings were conducted for participants with 10,000 steps per day. Post challenge …

Fatigue In Rheumatoid Arthritis Benchmark Study, Devan C. Salone

MSN Capstone Projects

Fatigue is perceived as one of the dominant symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) along with the pain that affects activities of daily life. RA-related fatigue was also described as unpredictable in its severity, duration, frequency, and intensity (Primdahl et al., 2019). The fatigue can mean feeling overwhelmed with feeling tired, unmotivated, increased pain, lack of concentration, or not getting enough sleep to combat the feeling of being tired (Choy & Dures, 2019). According to Widemark (2014), it is estimated that 40% to nearly 90% of RA patients experience chronic fatigue. The fatigue can happen at any time with RA. It …

Healthy Eating And Physical Activity Among New Graduate Nurses: A Qualitative Study Of Barriers And Enablers During Their First Year Of Clinical Practice, Elizabeth Brogan, Chris Rossiter, Christine Duffield, Elizabeth Denney-Wilson

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Background: New graduate nurses entering the workforce experience numerous barriers to maintaining a healthy lifestyle including shift work, the high cost of healthy foods at the workplace and high levels of exhaustion which reduce motivation to participate in regular physical activity. Research has documented unhealthy lifestyles among nurses across the profession. However, few studies focus on graduates' experiences during their transition into their careers. Aim: To investigate the barriers and enablers to healthy eating and participation in physical activity for new graduate nurses during their first year of clinical practice, and to explore attitudes to participation in workplace health promotion …

Advancing Knowledge Of Exercise As A Therapeutic Management Strategy For Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, Pamela J. Wright

Theses and Dissertations

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrinopathy among premenopausal women with a prevalence that ranges 15-21%. The estimated financial burden in the United States for evaluating and treating premenopausal women with PCOS was over $8 billion in 2020. PCOS etiology is complex and poorly understood, as is the optimal treatment and management. Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guidelines recommend exercise as first-line treatment. Yet, the optimal exercise type and “dosing” are not defined. As last reported for women with PCOS, less than 60% are regularly physically active and more than 25% are sedentary. Additionally, little to no published data …

A Review Of Ongoing Trials In Exercise And Physical Activity For Postmenopausal Osteoporosis, Anupama D S, Judith Noronha, Kiran K V Acharya, Mukhyaprana Prabhu, Baby S. Nayak

Manipal Journal of Nursing and Health Sciences

Osteoporosis is a major public health problem worldwide. While exercise and physical activity have been shown to improve the bone strength and quality of life of osteoporosis patients, there is still no clarity about the quantum, frequency and pattern of exercises. This review of ongoing trials on exercise and physical activity among postmenopausal osteoporosis was conducted using the World Health Organization International Clinical Trial Registry Platform (WHO-ICTRP). "Postmenopausal Osteoporosis" and "Exercise" were the keywords used for the review. The objective of this review was to identify the ongoing trials in exercise and physical activity for postmenopausal osteoporosis. Results revealed that …