Mental and Social Health Commons^™

Exercise As An Intervention For Postpartum Depression (Ppd), Kylie P. Mistretta

Honors Scholar Theses

Objective: To illustrate the applications of exercise for preventing the development of postpartum depression (PPD) and addressing associated risk factors identified in the literature. Data Sources: PubMed and EBSCO: Academic Search Premier were accessed using the search terms exercise OR physical activity OR yoga AND postpartum depression OR postnatal depression. A secondary search of PubMed was conducted using the search terms exercise AND pregnancy AND depression OR gestational diabetes OR weight gain OR sleep quality.

Study Selection: Studies selected for inclusion were peer-reviewed, published after January 2012, written in English, and relevant to the PPD risk factors examined. Only clinical …

Produce Prescription Policy Project For The Securement Of A Grant To Address Food Insecurity For Low-Income Type Ii Diabetic Patients, Isabel D. Garcia-Gallegos

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Project Abstract

PURPOSE

This policy-focused Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) quality improvement (QI) project aims to secure grant funding through the Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program (GusNIP) to implement a produce prescription program at a community clinic in Texas. The program targets low-income adults (18-65 years) with type II diabetes who experience food insecurity and are affected by Medicaid non-expansion.

BACKGROUND

Texas’ decision not to expand Medicaid has exacerbated food insecurity among low-income residents, particularly those managing type II diabetes. This decision creates a healthcare policy gap that this project aims to address with a food-as-medicine program.

METHODOLOGY

Using the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) …

Gad-7 Screening In Middle School Students: Evaluating The Effectiveness On Referral Rate Scoping Review, Bailey Hall, Cara Dennis, Kayla Drennen-Ferguson, Pamela B. Taylor, Laura Reed Dnp, Aprn, Fnp-Bc, Cne

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Purpose/Background

The prevalence of anxiety disorders among adolescents, mainly middle school-aged students, highlights the critical need for practical screening tools to support early detection and intervention. The Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) scale is widely utilized in various settings, but its efficacy in this specific population remains underexplored. This scoping review examines the use of the GAD-7 in middle school-aged students, evaluating its reliability, validity, and impact on referral rates to mental health services. The review also considers factors influencing anxiety and identifies gaps in current research.

Methods

Ten articles, published in peer-reviewed journals within the past decade and involving human …

The Role Of Self Esteem Upon The Recovery Of Eating Disordered Patients, Samanta Flores Velazquez

Undergraduate Honors Theses

Eating disorders such as anorexia-nervosa, bulimia-nervosa, and binge-eating disorders are detrimental to overall health and well-being. The demands of beauty ideals and attitudes impact young adults negatively as they attempt to meet societal beauty standards. The need for approval, fitting in with the community, and confidence drive the behaviors of people in negative ways. In recent years, the modernization of social media has contributed to dieting cultures, the thin ideal, harmful weight-loss practices, and the cycle to use the body as a means to control or repent. External factors affect the risk of eating disorders which contribute to the challenge …

Experiences Of Women In The Labour Room: The Untold Story, Emmanuel Dziwornu, Belinda Kpodo, Ophelia Anarfi, Enyonam Afi Adzato, Anita Fafa Dartey

Patient Experience Journal

Background: Childbirth experiences are some of the most sensitive indicators of the utilisation of health facilities. Women who go through the child-birthing process are reported to be faced with a range of experiences. Aim: This study described women's experiences in the labour room. Methods: The study employed a qualitative research approach with a descriptive design. Purposive sampling was used in this study and data saturation was reached after the 18^th participant. In-depth interviews were used to obtain information from recently delivered women. Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Thematic content analysis (TCA) was done and the results were …

Evaluating Referral Rates For Positive Postpartum Depression Screenings At Telehealth And Well-Child Visits: A Scoping Review, Rachel Macklin Barber, Mph, Bsn, Rn, Damaris Amber Brooks, Bsn, Rn, Ashli-Emeria Gary, Bsn, Rn, Margaret Harvey, Phd, Acnp-Bc, Chfn, Kate Fouquier Phd, Aprn, Cnm, Pmh-C, Facnm

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Purpose/Background

Postpartum depression (PPD) affects one in nine women. It has distressing impacts, including behavioral and attachment issues and toveruse of healthcare services. PPD occurs within 4 weeks to 12 months postpartum. A scoping review was conducted to compare referral rates to mental health providers after PPD screenings were conducted via telehealth versus those completed at well-child visits.

Methods

Peer-reviewed articles published within five years before the initial search, beginning September 2022 and ending November 2024, were selected. Articles were sourced from several publications using an online library database with various MeSH terms and Boolean operators. Search results were narrowed …

Use Of Interdisciplinary Rounds For The Identification Of Hospitalized Adults In Need Of Palliative Care, Brenda A. Blunt

Evidence-Based Practice Project Reports

Palliative care (PC) is specialized care that aims to provide relief from the stress and symptoms of living with a serious illness (Center to Advance Palliative Care, 2022). PC services are often underutilized in the hospital, leaving a significant number of patients with unmet needs (Haranis et al, 2023; Kawashima & Evans, 2023; Smith et al, 2019). The purpose of this evidence-based practice project was to improve processes for identifying hospitalized patients for referral to specialty inpatient PC. The intervention involved interdisciplinary rounds (IDR) for adult inpatients on two medical-surgical (MESG) units in an 84-bed community hospital in suburban Milwaukee, …

Evaluation Of Depression Screening Tools For Utilization In Adolescents: A Scoping Review, Helen Whitaker Bsn, Rn, Jade Bray Bsn, Rn, Tracy Mcclinton Dnp, Aprn, Agacnp-Bc, Hget-C, Ebp-C, Jacqueline Sharp Dnp, Aprn, Pmhp-Bc, Sharon Little Dnp, Fnp-Bc

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Purpose/Background

Anxiety and depression are prevalent mood disorders among the adolescent population with significant impacts on academic performance, social interactions, and mental well-being. With depression rates continuing to rise and suicide among the leading causes of death in adolescents, there is an urgent need for effective screening and intervention. While depression screening is recommended in the primary care setting, many adolescents do not have regular access to healthcare, complicating early identification and treatment. The purpose of this scoping review is to compare the effectiveness of two depression screening tools, the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), …

Improving Access To Mental Health Care Using Telehealth, Lavern Palmer

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

More than half of adults with mental illness in the United States live in mental health deserts—geographic areas with limited access to mental health services and persistent barriers to care. This study investigates the impact of telehealth implementation on patient no-show rates at a rural community clinic in Georgia. The aim was to determine whether the use of telehealth for psychiatric care would decrease the no-show rate of mental health appointments. A retrospective analysis was conducted using patient attendance logs collected 12 weeks before and after the implementation of telehealth services. Quantitative data were analyzed using a Pearson correlation to …

Enhancing Schizophrenia Treatment Outcomes: Integrating Cbt With Medication Therapy To Reduce Hospital Readmission, Kamauri Fleming Msn, Rn, Grace Adeniji-Ilesanmi Fnp-Bc, Zillah Anagho Tah Fnp-C, Alex Cook Msn, Rn, Margaret Harvey Phd, Acnp-Bc, Chfn, Sharon Little Dnp, Aprn, Fnp-Bc, Jacqueline Sharp Dnp, Aprn, Pmhnp-Bc

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Purpose/Background Schizophrenia is a chronic mental illness that disrupts cognition, emotion, and social functioning, imposing significant personal and societal burdens. While antipsychotic medications are effective in alleviating psychotic symptoms, they are often associated with side effects, poor adherence, and relapse risk. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has shown promise as an adjunct to medication, addressing persistent symptoms and improving outcomes. This scoping review examines the integration of CBT with medication therapy to reduce hospital readmissions and improve quality of life for adult patients hospitalized with schizophrenia.

Methods A systematic search of databases, including PubMed, PsycINFO, Embase, and Cochrane Library, was conducted …

The Impact Of High Deductible Health Plans On Mental Health Treatment, Kristian D. Dambrino, Laura Gray, R. David Phillippi

DNP Projects

Background and Rationale: High Deductible Health Plans (HDHPs) are designed to reduce overall healthcare spending by shifting more upfront costs to patients to discourage overutilization of care, yet HDHPs often increase financial burden, particularly in outpatient mental health care. Patients covered by HDHPs often face substantial out-of-pocket costs before reaching their deductible. This can lead to potential delays or discontinuation of psychiatric treatment. Financial transparency interventions by the mental health provider may mitigate these barriers through more-informed patient decision-making regarding payment options. This project evaluates the impact of a financial transparency intervention on reducing payment responsibility for HDHP patients in …

Factors Associated With Quality Of Intrapartum Care In Kenya: A Complex Samples Analysis Of The 2022 Kenya Demographic And Health Survey, Lilian Nuwabaine, Earnest Amwiine, Quraish Sserwanja, Joseph Kawuki, Mathius Amperiize, Angella Namulema, Ahmed Sarki, John Baptist Asiimwe

School of Nursing & Midwifery, East Africa

Background

The provision of quality intrapartum care increases women’s utilization of skilled birth attendants in health facilities and improves maternal and newborn health. This study aimed to investigate the factors associated with the quality of intrapartum care using the 2022 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (KDHS).

Methods

Secondary data from the 2022 KDHS of 11,863 participants, who were selected by multistage stratified sampling, was used. Based on literature and the availability of indicators within the 2022 KDHS, the quality of intrapartum care was operationalized as receiving all the three clinical components of intrapartum care including a mother having a facility-based …

Perinatal Mood And Anxiety Disorders (Pmads): A Scoping Review, Christina Willis Bsn, Rn, Nia Wells Bsn, Rn, Miranda Smith Bsn, Rn, Kate Fouquier Cnm, Phd, Facnm

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Purpose/Background Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs), including postpartum depression, anxiety, and psychosis, significantly impact maternal and infant health. This scoping review consolidates current literature on PMADs, emphasizing prevalence, risk factors, screening, and treatment. The primary aim is to identify research gaps and inform clinical guidelines to enhance perinatal care.

Methods A literature search followed PRISMA guidelines from August 2022 to November 2024. Databases searched included PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, and Google Scholar, using terms such as "perinatal mood disorders" and "maternal mental health." Inclusion criteria were English-language studies from the past decade addressing PMADs during pregnancy and up to one …

Evaluating The Effectiveness Of A Non-Pharmacological Sleep Bundle For The Prevention Of Delirium In Geriatric Patients In The Intensive Care Unit: A Scoping Review, Morgan Wilkins Bsn, Rn, Vanessa D'Amico Bsn, Rn, Alyssa Goyda Bsn, Rn, Seema Janga Bsn, Rn, Kaylin Story Bsn, Rn, Tracy Mcclinton Dnp, Aprn, Agacnp-Bc

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Purpose/Background

Delirium is an acute disorder yielding cognitive deficits, such as disruption in attention and awareness. It impacts approximately 50% of individuals over the age of 65 who are admitted to the hospital and is prevalent with patients in the intensive care unit (ICU). ICU delirium is associated with adverse outcomes, including higher morbidity, prolonged hospital stays, and chronic neurocognitive deficits. Research demonstrates that implementation of a non-pharmacological sleep bundle can reduce the overall occurrence of delirium. The purpose of this scoping review is to examine the efficacy of a non-pharmacological sleep bundle on the incidence of ICU delirium in …

Supporting Maternal Mental Health In The Postpartum Period With The Use Of Home Resource Kit, Nicole Craig

Theses and Graduate Projects

Postpartum mental health disorders, including postpartum depression and anxiety, can affect a significant proportion of new mothers for centuries. This paper explores the development, implementation, and evaluation of an at-home mental health resource kit designed to support maternal mental health while navigating the stresses of new motherhood. Utilizing Jean Watson's Theory of Human Caring as a theoretical framework, the study assesses the effectiveness of integrative therapies such as aromatherapy, mindful meditation, and educational resources in managing postpartum stress. Data collected through pre- and post-surveys and roundtable discussions provide insights into the benefits and limitations of these interventions. The findings indicate …

The Effectiveness Of Gad-7 Screening In High School Students, Tamara L. Smith, Allison Darnell, Margaret Harvey, Phd, Acnp-Bc, Chfn, Jacqueline Sharp Dnp, Aprn, Pmhp-Bc

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Purpose/Background

Adolescent mental health is a growing concern, with anxiety disorders being particularly prevalent among high school students. Left untreated, anxiety can significantly impact academic performance, social functioning, and long-term mental health. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated these challenges, highlighting the critical need for effective screening and intervention strategies. The Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale (GAD-7) is a validated tool for identifying anxiety disorders, yet its application in high school settings is limited. This scoping review explores the effectiveness of GAD-7 in increasing mental health referrals and improving anxiety outcomes in high school students.

Methods

A comprehensive search was conducted across …

The Impact Of Covid-19 On Nurses' Feelings, Stress, Coping, And Motivation In Palestinian Treatment Centers Of Corona, † Wafaa Menawi, Shatha Mari, Ahmad Adel Hanani

An-Najah University Journal for Research - B (Humanities)

Background: Frontline nurses of COVID-19 found themselves in an unfamiliar new disease work environment, fighting to adapt and control the stress while working at covid-19 centers in Palestine. Aim: To investigate the impact of COVID-19 on nurses' feelings, stress, coping, and motivation in COVID-19 Palestinian treatment Centers. Method: A descriptive cross-sectional design was conducted between Mid of July to the end of October 2021 by recruiting a purposive sample of 390 nurses who worked at the Ministry of Health during COVID-19 pandemic treatment centers. The nurses filled out the COVID-19 Health Personnel Questionnaire with Cronbach's Alpha > 0.9. Results: Palestinian frontline …

Evaluating The Efficacy Of Predischarge Referrals In Preventing Emergency Mental Health Hospital Readmissions: A Scoping Review, Pretia Carpenter Bsn, Rn, Stephanie Mays Bsn, Rn, Jacqueline Sharp Dnp, Aprn, Pmhp-Bc, Sharon H. Little, Dnp, Fnp-Bc, Aprn

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Background

Emergency mental health hospital readmissions present significant challenges to healthcare systems, often resulting in increased costs, prolonged hospital stays, and poor patient outcomes. Continuity of care through predischarge referrals to outpatient mental health services, psychosocial support, and community resources has been proposed as a strategy to reduce readmissions. However, the effectiveness of these interventions remains inconsistent across different populations and settings.

Objective

This scoping review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of predischarge referrals in reducing 30-day emergency mental health hospital readmissions, identify key components of successful programs, and assess the influence of demographic factors on readmission rates.

Methods

A …

Integrating Workplace Violence Prevention Into Nursing Curriculum: Preparing Future Nurses For Safer Practice ​, Noah Briere, Sarah Kegerreis, Molly Lasyone, Savannah Orris

SPARK Symposium Presentations

Nurses are under attack. 80% of nurses have experienced some form of workplace violence (WPV), which is seen as “part of the job.” Unfortunately, the agency responsible for protecting nurses, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), only offers voluntary guidelines. We have determined that nursing students are the best group to educate about WPV prevention in healthcare. Including this teaching to fit within their pre-clinical requirements, only needing one faculty to teach with an average salary of $80k, to further help set what should be foundational skills. By adding WPV de-escalation techniques and adequately preparing students prior to graduation. …

Combating Compassion Fatigue Using Mindfulness Techniques, Christie Baker, Summer Cross

Student Scholarship & Creative Works

Demands placed on health care professionals have steadily increased and as a result, compassion fatigue has become an issue by adversely affecting the well-being of nurses and health care organizations. Compassion fatigue is a widely accepted phenomenon in nursing, creating an array of physical and emotional manifestations, impairing a health care provider’s ability to provide optimum quality care. The goal of this quality improvement project aimed to educate and provide emergency room nurses with a resource for self-care enhancement to subsequently decrease their risk of developing compassion fatigue. Nurses of a small, rural emergency department located in the southeastern region …

Adverse Childhood Experiences And The Impact Of Resiliency On Child Behavior: A Quality Improvement Project, Macy Kraft

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Capstones

Background: Adverse Childhood Experiences can have a significant impact on a person’s future health and wellness. Therefore, it is necessary for healthcare professionals to increase their understanding of possible mediating factors to lessen the impact of these experiences should they occur.

Purpose: The purpose of this project was to evaluate the effectiveness of an evidence-based quality improvement initiative designed to enhance the formal behavioral assessments of pre-school children following the participation of their caregivers in an ACEs and resiliency educational intervention.

Methods: Implementation of a two-armed intervention; a brief educational session aimed at providing an introduction to ACEs and a …

An Exploration Of The Experiences Of Perinatal Depression And Anxiety Among Pregnant And Parenting Adolescents In The Tampa Bay Area Of Florida, Olajumoke Adetoun Ojeleye

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Perinatal depression (PND) and perinatal anxiety (PNA) are increasing among pregnant and parenting adolescents (PPAs), with PNA often underrecognized. This leads to significant socioeconomic costs and adverse maternal consequences if untreated. Hence, this dissertation explores the experiences of PND and PNA among PPAs, focusing on their knowledge gaps, perception, mental health needs, care preferences, and access to PMH care. The research employs a qualitative design (free-listing and in-depth interviews) to gather participant insights. Key findings reveal that many PPAs possess limited knowledge about PNA when compared to PND. Lack of support from partners, family, and peers emerged as the topmost …

Assessing Healthcare Insurance Policies In Mississippi: An Evaluation Of Public And Private Options, Latarsha H. Michael, Brieah D. Hudson

The Journal of the Research Association of Minority Professors

Medicaid is the main payer for maternity care in the U.S., covering nearly half of all births. Federal law provides postpartum coverage for 60 days, but gaps exist, especially in non-expansion states. The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 allows states to extend Medicaid postpartum coverage to 12 months. Mississippi, where Medicaid covers 65% of births, faces severe maternal and infant health challenges. Despite its surplus, extending postpartum care to 12 months could cost $7 million annually. This study examines private and public health insurance coverage for perinatal care in Mississippi. This involves analyzing how different insurance policies address the …

Management Of Aggressive And Disruptive Behavior In The Emergency Department Using De-Escalation Techniques And Simulation: A Quality Improvement Project To Improve The Knowledge And Confidence Of Emergency Department Nurses And Clinical Staff, Ernestine Darby-Littlejohn

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Abstract

Approximately 40% of all healthcare workers have reported episodes of violence by patients over the last 2 years. This Veteran’s Health Agency reported 824 disruptive events reported in the last 5 years, of which 56 occurred in the emergency department. Research shows that interventions are not always timely, resulting in the clinical staff requesting the Veteran’s Health Agency Police to intervene when a veteran’s level of stress is escalating. The gap in practice is shown to be related to a lack of knowledge in the clinical staff in managing high stress levels exhibited by some veterans, limited knowledge of …

Mindfulness-Based Interventions And Stress, Jacqueline Parker

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Project Abstract

Purpose: Stress within the nursing profession is a substantial issue. Staff shortages, poor leadership, and even COVID-19 have contributed to an increase in nursing stress. Stress can negatively impact a nurse’s ability to perform at an optimal level while at work. The purpose of this project is to reduce perceived stress by implementing mindfulness-based interventions (MBI).

Background: The project was implemented in a twenty-three-bed unit that cares for the post operative pediatric population in Houston, Texas.

Methodology: A series of in-person and virtual educational lessons (eight total) on MBIs (with flyers) were implemented throughout this project. The Perceived Stress Scale …

Adverse Childhood Experiences: Healing Through Storytelling And Mindful Narrative Therapy, Julie Kemp

Mindfulness Studies Theses

This study presents research about the nature and prevalence of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), the mental and physical impacts to individuals exposed to ACEs, and incorporating mindfulness practices into therapeutic approaches to treating them, particularly Mindfulness-Based Narrative Therapy (MBNT). It is important because ACEs have become a global crisis, with the potential for interfering with psychological and physical development, early mortality, and other harmful life outcomes. This thesis provides critical information for mindfulness teachers and practitioners, therapists, educators, regulators, parents, and individuals subjected to ACEs.

The methodology includes extensive literature searches for narrative therapy and mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) in peer-reviewed …

How To Help New Nurses Deal With Anxiety And Stress, Jared Modzelewski Bsn, Rn

Posters

Background

New graduate nurses need to reduce their stress and anxiety to improve patient outcomes. Every nurse has some anxiety and stress, but new graduate nurses have been talking about it more. This change is necessary because improvement in mental health for nurses can improve their wellbeing and the overall quality of care they provide their patients.

Psychological Impact Of Ulcerative Colitis On Pregnancy And Postpartum Period, Stephanie C. Carver

Nursing | Senior Theses

Background

Ulcerative colitis (UC) poses significant challenges during pregnancy, affecting both physical and mental health. While the physiological effects of UC during pregnancy are well documented, less is known about its impact on maternal mental health. This study aims to investigate the psychological effects of UC on pregnant women, focusing on stress levels, postpartum depression (PPD) incidence, and the role of multidisciplinary care in improving mental health outcomes.

Objective

The primary objective of this research proposal is to evaluate the psychological impact of UC during pregnancy and determine whether disease activity increases the risk of PPD and stress. A secondary …

Improving Maternal Mental Health: The Role Of Specialized Support For Queer Women With Postpartum Depression, Dan-Tam Pham

Nursing | Senior Theses

Queer women face disproportionately high rates of postpartum depression compared to heterosexual and cisgender individuals. Studies showed that queer women face heightened mental health challenges, including higher rates of depression and anxiety due to factors like discrimination, limited support systems, and negative healthcare experiences. There is a need for culturally competent, LGBTQ+-affirming interventions to improve maternal mental health outcomes; despite the health disparities faced by this population, research on specialized postpartum interventions is limited, revealing gaps in effective mental health care for queer mothers. The key search terms for the articles used in the study included: postpartum depression, queer women, …

Mental Health Stigma As A Barrier To Care, Whitney Grant

Regis University Student Publications (comprehensive collection)

Abstract

Mental health stigma is a major barrier to care. The mental health stigma as a problem is relevant due to its influence on increasing the burden of mental health issues due to a lack of help-seeking, contributing to increased healthcare costs, and increasing adverse health outcomes. Currently there is no action consistently taken to assess or address this stigma in the primary care setting. Healthcare professionals can help to reduce the perceptions of stigma and lessen stigma as a barrier to care. A quality improvement project was implemented to evaluate if an education intervention by a primary care provider …