Nursing Commons^™

Critical Analysis Of Breastfeeding Education Provided In The Hospital, Abigail Sweet

Senior Honors Projects

The World Health Organization (W.H.O) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of an infant’s life. A large majority of new mothers are making the decision to breastfeed their newborn child. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as of 2016, high breastfeeding initiation rates show that most mothers in the U.S. want to breastfeed and are trying to do so. However, there are several indicators that suggest that mothers may not be getting the support they need and the early postpartum period is a critical time for establishing support for breastfeeding. Depending on the type of …

The Benefits Of Breastfeeding, Annagrace E. Anderson

Senior Honors Theses

Breast milk is the gold standard for infant nutrition. In the past, infant formula was promoted as equal or superior to breast milk. However, research has shown that breastfeeding is the superior form of infant nutrition except in rare circumstances. Breast milk provides for all of a newborn’s caloric needs and has the correct balance of nutrients to promote proper development. In addition, breast milk provides protection against illnesses, supports an infant’s immune system, and promotes life-long health for the newborn. Mothers also experience personal benefits by breastfeeding such as decreased cancer risks, bonding with their babies, and faster postpartum …

Neonatal Implications Of Substance Use Treatment During Pregnancy, Michele K. Savin, Msn, Nnp-Bc

College of Nursing Faculty Papers & Presentations

I am writing in response to “Pharmacologic Treatment of Opioid Addiction During Pregnancy” by Keough and Fantasia (2017). The article nicely compares and summarizes the use of methadone and buprenorphine to treat substance use in pregnant women. I was dismayed, however, by the sections regarding neonatal considerations and breastfeeding, which contained some problematic assertions and some inaccurate conclusions.

Challenges And Facilitators Of Recruitment: Lessons Learned From Conducting A Focused Ethnography In A Vulnerable Rural Population, Debra Kramlich, Rebecca Kronk, Karen Jakub

The Qualitative Report

The purpose of this article is to describe the challenges and facilitators of recruitment encountered in an ethnographic dissertation study of rural women with substance use disorders during the perinatal period. While the study is being conducted in the hospital setting post-delivery, potential participants who meet inclusion criteria are identified by practitioners through a number of perinatal practices within a wide geographic area as well as by inpatient social workers. Recruitment in this vulnerable and often socially disadvantaged population has been found to be challenging with regard to ethical approval, participant eligibility and availability, practice changes, and discrepancies in the …

Brookings Supports Breastfeeding: Using Public Deliberation As A Community-Engaged Approach To Dissemination Of Research, Jenn Anderson, Rebecca A. Kuehl, Sara A. Mehltretter Drury, Lois Tschetter, Mary Schwaegerl, Julia Yoder, Heidi Gullickson, Jammison Lamp, Charlotte Bachman, Marilyn Hildreth

Communication Studies Publications

Empirical evidence demonstrates myriad benefits of breastfeeding for mother and child, along with benefits to businesses that support breastfeeding. Federal and state legislation requires workplace support for pumping and provides protections for public breastfeeding. Yet, many are unaware of these laws, and thus, support systems remain underdeveloped. We used a community-based approach to spread awareness about the evidence-based benefits of breastfeeding and breastfeeding support. We worked to improve breastfeeding support at the local hospital, among local employers, and throughout the broader community. Our coalition representing the hospital, the chamber of commerce, the university, and local lactation consultants used a public …

The Effectiveness Of Combined Appointments And Influenza Immunization Rates In A Rural Wic Population, Lisa L. Sitler

Dissertations

Purpose: The purpose of this descriptive retrospective study was to examine predictors and barriers to influenza immunizations receipt in a low-income WIC population.

Method: A quality improvement project was conducted in October 2010 in which 129 caregivers of children having WIC appointments were randomly assigned to receive (a) influenza immunizations at the time of the WIC visit or (b) educational materials and a later immunization. Caregivers completed a survey about their perceptions of influenza immunizations. Tanahashi’s access to care model (1978) was used to identify predictors (acceptability, accessibility, availability, and effectiveness) of influenza immunizations.

Analysis: In analysis …

Determinants Of Neonatal Mortality In Rural And Urban Nigeria: Evidence From A Population-Based National Survey, Emmanuel O. Adewuyi, Yun Zhao

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Background: Significant reduction in the global burden of neonatal mortality was achieved through the millennium development goals. In Nigeria, however, only a marginal reduction was realized. This study assesses the rural–urban differences in neonatal mortality rate (NMR) and the associated risk factors in Nigeria.

Methods: The dataset from the 2013 Nigeria demographic and health survey (NDHS), disaggregated by rural–urban residence (n = 20 449 and 9935, respectively), was explored using univariate, bivariate, and multivariable analysis. Complex samples analysis was applied to adjust for the unequal selection probabilities due to the multi-stage cluster sampling method used in the 2013 NDHS. The …

Social Ecological Factors Associated With Parental Vaccination Decisions And Perceptions Of Barriers To Childhood Immunizations, Catherine A. Ferris

Dissertations

The success of childhood immunizations has led to a decrease in the visibility of the morbidity and mortality of vaccine-preventable diseases. Parents are questioning the validity and safety of vaccines resulting in significantly increasing numbers of underimmunized and unvaccinated children throughout the country. The purpose of this dissertation was to explore the perceptions of barriers to immunizations in parents with children, birth to 12 months of age presenting for a well-child or vaccinations-only visit to one of two pediatric primary care clinics located in San Diego County. The social ecological model was used to guide this dissertation. A cross-sectional, descriptive …

Infection Control In Labor And Delivery Room, Learning From The Small Hospital Based Project, Savera Aziz Ali, Sumera Aziz Ali

School of Nursing & Midwifery

Background: It has been estimated that around 36% of the neonatal deaths occur due to infection in the lower and middle income countries. Infection control is a more substantial area of concern, particularly in Labor and delivery room. Multiple factors can cause infection in the labor room, therefore it is important to assess various factors of maternal and neonatal infection. Hence we explored multiple factors through this project and developed the action plan to address those factors effectively.
Methods: During our Leadership and Management course, we conducted a project in Labor room pertaining to a prevalent issue. The whole process …

Developing Morally Sensitive Policy In The Nicu: Donation After Circulatory Determination Of Death, Michael Van Manen, Nicole Kain

The Qualitative Report

Policy development is an important activity for the practice of healthcare. Policies, after all, may cultivate common practices and ensure that best available evidence is employed in clinical decision making. Qualitative research and individuals with expertise in qualitative research methods have much to offer policy makers. We were confronted with the situation of developing policy for donation after circulatory death (DCD) for our newborn intensive care program. Due the moral-ethical complexities surrounding DCD, and the limited experience with DCD in this context, we approached policy development from an iterative design perspective employing qualitative methods. We describe our experience in employing …

Using High-Fidelity Simulation To Prepare Nursing Students In The Obstetrical Environment, Cynthia Ann Dixon

Nursing Theses and Capstone Projects

Aim: The goal of this study was to evaluate senior nursing students and use of high-fidelity simulation in the development of critical thinking skills. Background: Nursing students are only given limited opportunities in the specialty areas, such as obstetrics, and often lack the skills and confidence necessary to provide safe and effective care as they join the health care industry as new graduates. Methods: The senior nursing students were brought into the simulation lab and given a new scenario on a preeclampsia patient. The students were given ten minutes to ask questions of the patient, complete a focused assessment, call …

Adult Qdts, Chinese, Marianne E. Weiss, Binghua Wang

Quality of Discharge Teaching Scale

The Readiness for Hospital Discharge Scale, Quality of Discharge Teaching Scale, and Post-Discharge Coping Difficulty Scale were developed by Dr. Marianne Weiss to measure nurse-sensitive discharge care processes and patient outcomes. Three versions of the scales were developed concurrently for different patient populations – Adult medical-surgical patients, Parents of hospitalized children, and Postpartum Patient mothers (see Weiss & Piacentine, 2006, Weiss et al., 2007, and Bobay et al., 2018 for description of the development and initial testing). Additional scales and information about translation rights are located at Marquette Nursing.

PERMISSION TO USE

The Readiness for Discharge Scale, Quality of Discharge …

Factors & Risks Associated With Adolescents Late Entry Into Prenatal Care, Shannon Almonia, Kimberly Damian, Giuliana Enea, Solveig Karlsen, Jessica Markham

Student Research Posters

Prenatal care is a type of preventative health care for pregnant women that is typically initiated in the first trimester. However, when prenatal care is inadequate, initiated past the first trimester or missed, the mother and fetus experience an increased risk for preterm delivery. Adolescents are apart of a specific subgroup of pregnant women that are at a higher risk for adverse outcomes during pregnancy due to knowledge deficits. Therefore, adolescents are especially likely to receive inadequate prenatal services. Numerous studies have been conducted to discover the result of inadequate prenatal care; however, not as many studies explore the factors …

Exploring Barriers And Consequences Related To Nurses Reporting Child Abuse, Asmita Devkota

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Background: Child abuse is a pervasive and serious problem in the United States. Over 3 million children are the victims of some kind of physical assault by adults. Due to their prolonged contact with children and opportunity to report, nurses should be trained to accurately assess, identify, and manage cases of child abuse. The purpose of this study was to examine student’s experiences with Child Protective Services, and explore their confidence and attitudes related to identifying and reporting child abuse. Factors associated with non-reporting were identified.

Methodology: This was an exploratory, descriptive study. Students enrolled in the online …

Associations Between Pre-Pregnancy Weight Status And/Or Gestational Weight Gain And Obesity In Older Children, Marisa P. Hammond

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Childhood obesity is a global health concern that puts children at risk for developing serious health complications. With increasing rates worldwide, it is important to determine how to decrease its prevalence and promote prevention in future generations. Emerging evidence indicating that pre-pregnancy weight status and/or gestational weight gain (GWG) may be linked with overweight/obesity in children. Much of this body of research focused on weight status of offspring at birth and at preschool age. The purpose of this study is to: (1) analyze the research findings regarding obesity in children 5 to 18 years and their mother’s pre-pregnancy weight status …

Interventions To Reduce The Effects Of Nicu Noise In Preterm Neonates, Rebecca L. Manske

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Exposure to excessive noise during a neonates stay in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) can create both immediate and long term health problems such as, hearing loss, neurological deficits, and sleep pattern disturbances. The use of earmuffs or earplugs to decrease the neonate’s exposure to noise can create a more stable environment to facilitate improved growth and development. The purpose of this research was to examine the use of earmuffs or earplugs to reduce the impact of noise on neonates. A systematic review of literature was conducted using online databases including CINAHL, ERIC, Ebsco Host, Medline, and PsychINFO. The …

Examining Biological And Psychological Variables In Hypertensive Disorders Of Pregnancy, Stephanie A. Kehler

Theses and Dissertations--Nursing

Despite advances in obstetric care, hypertensive disorders continue to complicate pregnancies at a high rate. Worldwide, hypertensive disorders affect up to 10% of pregnancies. The United States has seen a 25% increase in the incidence of hypertensive disorders over the last two decades (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 2017). These complications constitute one of the greatest causes of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality with an estimated 50,000 to 60,000 deaths per year across the world (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 2017). Although the etiology of hypertensive disorders remains unclear, there may be an association with both maternal …

Evaluation Of Kentucky Nurses' Knowledge And Self-Efficacy Related To Safe Sleep And Sudden Unexpected Infant Death Risk-Reduction Strategies, Lisa Mcgee

DNP Projects

Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID) claims the lives of about 3700 infants in the United States each year (CDC, 2015). It is the second leading cause of infant death in Kentucky (KDPH,2015) where it has a rate almost three times that of the nation. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has made recommendations to decrease the risk of SUID and indicates hospital professionals, including nurses, have a responsibility to educate and model safe sleep strategies for parents. An evaluation of the knowledge and self-efficacy about safe sleep and SUID risk-reduction strategies of neonatal and perinatal nurses in Kentucky birthing and …

Parents Of Children Who Had Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy: A Mixed-Methods, Exploratory Study, Natalene Kramer

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Background: There is scant literature addressing the parents of children who had hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). therefore only inferences may be made as to issues of that experience affecting parents.

Purpose: The purposes of this study was to uncover the lived experiences of parents of children who had HIE, evaluate issues of stress, depression, coping, and impact of neurologic disability in order to better care for them and thus their families

Methods: A parallel, convergent mixed-methods design was used to explore experiences and perceptions of these parents regarding their experiences and life changes. The quantitative strand addressed four research questions which …

The Meaning Of Giving Birth: Voices Of Hmong Women Living In Vietnam, Cheryl A. Corbett, Lynn Clark Callister, Jamie Peterson Gettys, Jacob R. Hickman

Faculty Publications

Increasing knowledge about the sociocultural context of birth is essential to promote culturally sensitive nursing care. This qualitative study provides an ethnographic view of the perspectives of birthing of Hmong mothers living in the highlands of Vietnam. Unique cultural beliefs exist in Hmong culture about the spiritual and physical wold as well as ritual practices associated with childbearing. This includes variations of ancestor worship, reincarnation, and healing practices by shamans. Traditionally, Hmong families take an active role in childbirth with birth frequently occurring in the home. Situated within a large collaborative anthropology project, a convenience sample of 8 Hmong women, …

Honoring Motherhood: The Meaning Of Childbirth For Tongan Women, Shelly J. Reed, Lynn Clark Callister, 'Ana Kavaefiafi, Cheryl A. Corbett, Debra Edmunds

Faculty Publications

Purpose: The purpose of this ethnographic study was to describe the meaning of childbirth for Tongan women.

Study Design and Methods: In this qualitative descriptive study, 38 Tongan women, 18 from Tonga and 20 from the United States, who had given birth in the past year were invited to share their perceptions of childbirth. Themes were generated collaboratively by the research team.

Findings: The overarching theme was honoring motherhood; other themes include using strength to facilitate an unmedicated vaginal birth, describing the spiritual dimensions of birth, adhering to cultural practices associated with childbearing, and the influence of the concept of …

Global Perinatal Nursing Research: Sustainable Development Goals Update, Lynn Clark Callister, Cheryl A. Corbett

Faculty Publications

Global health experts suggest that there is an urgent need for research supporting healthcare for childbearing women that is both respectful and evidence-based beyond “too little, too late and too much too soon.” The purpose of this editorial is to describe global perinatal research priorities, provide examples of global collaborative networking and research, identify global perinatal nursing research priorities, and describe exemplary global maternal health nursing research.

A Systematic Review: The Prenatal And Postnatal Events Associated With Infant Mortality Rate (Imr), Ariel L. Thomas, Sarah A. Awwad, Briana E. Clark

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Infant mortality rate (IMR) is an indication of overall population health, maternal and child health, accessibility and quality of primary health care, and the availability of community resources. The current IMR in the United States is high despite advances made in the medical field. The purpose of our systematic review is to describe and critically appraise research about prenatal events, postnatal events, and increased infant mortality rate and to give nursing practice recommendations to help decrease the rate. We used CINAHL, Medline and PubMed to find 20 research articles. Overall, the research stated that going to prenatal visits had a …

Effect Of Interventions On Infant Mortality Rates: A Systematic Review, Sophia H. Simone, Emily K. Swaim

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Infant mortality rate (IMR) is defined as the number of infant deaths per 1,000 live births. Infant mortality is the time period beginning with the infant’s first breath and continuing until the first year of life. In 2006, 6.71 infants died in The United States of America (USA) for every 1,000 live births, compared with 6.86 in 2005 and 6.89 in 2000. Although the USA IMR has fallen steadily in recent decades, the nation still ranks 27th among industrialized countries. Further, IMR disproportionately affects racial and ethnic groups in the USA. Despite research about prevalence, predictors, interventions, and major efforts …

Effectiveness Of School-Based Interventions Versus Family-Based Interventions In The Prevention And Treatment Of Childhood Obesity, Ashley Capestrain, Emily Montague, Meghan Frantz

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Childhood obesity affects 155 million children worldwide. As prevalence increases, it is important to identify effective interventions in the treatment and prevention of childhood obesity. Obesity may result in short and long term effects linked to some of the leading causes of morbidity and early mortality. The purpose of this systematic review is to identify, review, and critically appraise evidence from studies examining the effect of family and school based interventions. This review answers the following PICO question: In children, how do family based interventions compare to school based interventions, in the prevention and treatment of obesity? Methods included literature …

Effects Of Kangaroo Care On Procedural Pain In Preterm Infants: A Systematic Review, Alyssa M. Pagni, Sophia Kellar, Mary Rood

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Approximately 64,000 preterm infants are born annually in the United States. With preterm infants enduring between 10-16 painful procedures daily, it is important for nurses to use interventions that effectively decrease pain. Procedural pain in premature infants may result in short-term and long-term negative physical, cognitive, and emotional effects. Kangaroo care is the act of holding an infant making skin on skin contact. The purpose of this systematic review is to identify, review, and critically appraise the evidence from studies examining the effect of Kangaroo Care on procedural pain in premature infants. Literature was searched in university databases and Google …

A Study Of Skin-To-Skin Care During Cesarean Birth: A Mother's Experience, Kristen Bertrand

Summer Community of Scholars Posters (RCEU and HCR Combined Programs)

No abstract provided.

Opioid Abuse In Pregnancy: A Systematic Review, Emily Sebunia, Colleen Fearon

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Prenatal opioid abuse is a serious public health concern and linked with numerous health consequences for both mothers and children. Despite research describing negative outcomes of drug use during pregnancy, it is still a prevalent problem in the United States, with researchers finding that women are at highest risk for substance abuse during their reproductive years. Opioid abuse during pregnancy is common, including opioids such as hydrocodone, oxycodone, morphine, and heroin. Use of these drugs results in both short and long term side effects for the mother and child. Therefore, the prevalence of this problem should not be underestimated. …

An Evaluation Of An Innovative Weight Management Program In A Primary Care Setting, Susan Peak

DNP Projects

Background- Kentucky ranks third in the nation for childhood overweight and obesity. . Consumption of high dietary fat, excessive use of electronics, low levels of physical activity and consumption of sugar filled drinks are modifiable behaviors believed to be the biggest culprits behind these statistics.

Purpose- The purpose of this evaluation was to assess the implementation of the 5-2-1-0 plan in the management of childhood overweight or obesity within an urban primary care clinic.

Methods- After initiation of the program by the clinic focused interviews with the primary care providers were conducted to evaluate barriers and benefits to …

Effect Of A Parent Empowerment Program On Length Of Stay And Parental Stress In The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Holly L. Nieves

DNP Projects

PURPOSE: Research surrounding topics in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit have long been focused on mortality and morbidity of this population. However, consideration of the parent-infant relationship and subsequently adverse outcomes that could be formed during the intensive care stay should be examined. Parent empowerment programs in the NICU have been shown to decrease length of stay, parental stress, and depression. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of the COPE for HOPE parent empowerment program on length of stay, parental stress, maternal depression, and parent satisfaction in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit with parents of infants …