Nursing Commons^™

Impact Of The Covid-19 Pandemic On U.S. Women's Mental Health, Astrida S. Kaugars, Jessica L. Zemlak, Debra L. Oswald

College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications

Background: Women are more likely than men to be diagnosed with depression and anxiety with rates increasing since the COVID-19 pandemic. This study sought to understand how women's intersecting identities, personal strengths, and COVID-19–related stressors were associated with their anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms early in the pandemic.

Methods: During May–June 2020, American women (N = 398) recruited via MTurk completed an online questionnaire assessing mental health (PTSD, anxiety, and depression), demographic characteristics, personal strengths (coping, hope, social support), and experiences with COVID-19–specific stressors.

Results: Women who had a child younger than 18 years of age, …

Integration Of Problem-Solving Therapy To Address Mental Health Needs Of Family Medicine Patients, Robert M. Sutter

Doctor of Nursing Practice Scholarly Projects

Problem Statement: Patients in Family Medicine at an academic medical center in the Southeast who show signs and symptoms of depression are being referred to behavioral health to manage their depression symptoms. Long waiting lists, which delay the patient’s time to see behavioral health and a lack of patient education about the need for mental health services led to delays in patient care and poor appointment adherence.

Purpose: The purpose of this project was to determine if providing Problem Solving Therapy (PST) in a one-time setting, after referral from the primary care provider (PCP), with psychoeducation, decreases depression scores for …

Nutrition-Related Experiences Of Women With Perinatal Depression During The Covid-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Study, Dahlia Stott, Cynthia Klobodu, Lisa A. Chiarello, Bobbie Posmontier, Mona Egohail, Pamela A. Geller, June Andrews Horowitz, Brandy-Joe Milliron

College of Nursing Faculty Papers & Presentations

Women with perinatal depression are at a high risk for unhealthy dietary behaviors but whether the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has exacerbated this risk is unknown. Here we report the findings of a qualitative study exploring the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on nutrition-related experiences of women with perinatal depression. Using a qualitative descriptive approach, in-depth interviews were conducted with 18 women with a history of perinatal depression and 10 healthcare providers. A semistructured format elicited how food and nutrition-related behaviors of women with perinatal depression were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Thematic analysis identified 4 themes related to …

Improving Health Outcomes Among Patients With Chf Through Implementation Of Telehealth Depression Screening And Chf Symptom Management, Akudo Udodiri Unanwa

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Projects

Abstract

Background: Comorbid congestive heart failure (CHF) and depressive disorder is a leading cause of mortality globally. Despite effective detection and therapeutic options, 30-day hospital readmission rates for CHF patients remain high, with patients experiencing adverse clinical outcomes and poorer quality of life. Depression is identified as a common comorbidity among CHF patients that may negatively impact patient self-care and adherence to a CHF treatment plan.

Problem: Telehealth applications are an increasingly utilized approach to healthcare delivery that enhances timely access to healthcare services by reducing physical proximity and transportation barriers to care. Currently, telehealth screening for CHF in the …

Anxiety, Depression, Loneliness, Spirituality, And Social Support In Older People During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Esti Widiani, Nurul Hidayah, Abdul Hanan

Jurnal Keperawatan Indonesia

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in the threat of death. Some older people feel they are not ready to face the end of their lives, so psychosocial problems arise, such as loneliness, anxiety, and depression. This research study aims to explore some psychosocial aspects, namely spirituality, social support, depression, anxiety, and loneliness in the elderly during the pandemic. The research design was cross-sectional. The total sample was 142 people selected using the purposive sampling method. Data collection used various scales to look at spirituality, depression, anxiety, and loneliness. The results showed that median spirituality and social support scores were high. …

Pcos Health-Related Quality-Of-Life And Depressive Symptoms Across The Lifespan: Comparative Study, Pamela J. Wright Phd, Ms, Med, Rn, Cen, Abbas S. Tavakoli, Cynthia F. Corbett Phd, Rn, Faan

Publications

The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to compare health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and depressive symptoms among peri-postmenopausal women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) aged ≥43 years relative to premenopausal women with PCOS aged 18-42 years. An online survey link comprising questionnaires about demographics, HRQoL, and depressive symptoms was posted onto two PCOS-specific Facebook groups. Respondents (n = 1,042) were separated into two age cohorts: women with PCOS aged 18-42 years (n = 935) and women with PCOS aged ≥43 years (n = 107). Data from the online survey were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlations, and multiple regression …

Implementation Of A Progressive Muscle Relaxation Intervention To Decrease Cancer Patients' Distress: A Quality Improvement Project., Theresa Thomas

Doctor of Nursing Practice Papers

Background: People affected by cancer often experience psychological distress that ultimately decreases their health, adherence to treatment, overall well-being, and quality of life. Research has shown that MBIs can reduce psychological distress, depression, and anxiety and increase quality of life. A needs assessment conducted within a local cancer support organization, Gilda’s Club Kentuckiana, has expressed the need for providing a more comprehensive range of accessible MBIs in their programming to meet their psychosocial goals by reducing psychological distress in their members. PMR is an MBI not currently used by GCK that has been proven effective at reducing anxiety, depression, and …

Implementation Of A Postpartum Depression Screening Protocol, Samantha Abercrombie

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Background: Postpartum depression (PPD) is a major depressive disorder that can occur after having a baby and anytime during the first year postpartum (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2021). Symptoms of PPD may include anger, crying more than usual, withdrawing from family, inability to bond with the baby, feelings of anxiousness, or thoughts of the mother harming herself or the baby. PPD can yield many challenges and hinder daily living activities. Recent research by the CDC (2021) estimates that 1 in 8 women experience manifestations of PPD. Findings also suggest that 1 in 5 women were not …

Incorporating A Depression Screening Tool With A Music Strategy For Depression In Adults Aged 50 And Older In An Ltc Facility, Margaret L. Hill

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Background: Depression is not a normal part of life or the aging process. Unfortunately, older adults are at an increased risk of experiencing depressive symptoms. The global prevalence of major depression in older adults at 13.3%, and adults (70 and above) have a higher risk of depression compared to other age groups.

Purpose: The purpose of the DNP project was to improve patient outcomes through the implementation of depression screening and an adjunctive music strategy in older adults with depressive symptoms.

Methods: A pre, mid, and post-intervention was conducted in a long-term care facility. This author conducted a …

Influence Of Depression And Interpersonal Support On Adherence To Antiretroviral Therapy Among People Living With Hiv, Jerry John Nutor, Akua O. Gyamerah, Robert Kaba Alhassan, Henry Ofori Duah, Rachel G.A. Thompson, Natalie Wilson, Orlando Harris, Jose Gutierrez, Thomas J. Hoffmann, Monica Getahun, Glenn-Milo Santos

College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications

Background

Poor adherence and under-utilization of antiretroviral therapy (ART) services have been major setbacks to achieving 95-95-95 policy goals in Sub-Saharan Africa. Social support and mental health challenges may serve as barriers to accessing and adhering to ART but are under-studied in low-income countries. The purpose of this study was to examine the association of interpersonal support and depression scores with adherence to ART among persons living with HIV (PLWH) in the Volta region of Ghana.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional survey among 181 PLWH 18 years or older who receive care at an ART clinic between November 2021 and …

Nurse-Led Post Stroke Depression Screening (Psd) For Patients With Acute Stroke Using Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (Phq9), Stefan Panov

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Manuscripts

Introduction: This Evidence-Based Practice Doctor of Nursing Practice project aimed to implement a nurse-led post-stroke depression (PSD) screening using Patient Health Queastionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) in a 12-bed progressive care neuro-stroke unit at a tertiary care hospital. The first goal of this project was to detect stroke patients at risk for depression who met specific inclusion criteria. The second goal was to provide depression education, initiate social work and medical referrals, and start pharmacological treatment to reduce the medical and socioeconomic burden associated with untreated PSD before discharge from the hospital.

Background: Globally, stroke is a prominent cause of death and disability. …

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. …

Mental Health Wellness In The Latino Population: Improving Phq-9 Scores In Depressed Patients With Comorbid Type Ii Diabetes, Amanda Cuellar

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Manuscripts

Major depressive disorder is one of the most common mental health conditions. In the United States, 8.1% of the population have symptoms of depression. Patients with diabetes are 2–3 times more likely to experience symptoms of depression compared to the general population. Having these chronic conditions simultaneously can cause complications in both. The purpose of this study was to improve depression scores for patients who have comorbid type II diabetes. This project took place in a rural community with the Latino population. The nurse practitioner led an evidence-based practice project implementing treatment of depression with medication management, individual psychotherapy, and …

The Effects Of Therapeutic Activities On Depression In The Long-Term Care Population, Stephanie Nacole Knowles

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Therapeutic activities are activities that encourage social interaction and promote cognitive skills. When these activities are put on hold for an extended period of time it can be detrimental to the Long-Term Care population. Depression related to social isolation has plagued the LongTerm Care population since the onset of COVID, causing increased sickness and in some situations death. The purpose of this integrative review is to determine the effectiveness of therapeutic activities in decreasing depression in the Long-Term Care (LTC) population. Literature was collected from 2018 through 2023 from the CINAHL database and analyzed using the PRISMA model. A total …

Cbt Technology Implementation With Pediatric And Adolescent Populations, Tracey W. Kreipe, Heath Gage, Sandra Obiebi

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Abstract

Digital therapy is a growing healthcare intervention improving limited access to specialty care for specific populations and geographic areas. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) applications focus on treating anxiety and depression and assist pediatric and adolescent patients in learning behavioral techniques as they wait for 3-6 months or longer to see a mental health provider. Such delays are attributed to the national shortage of mental health practitioners and the further scarcity of fewer psychiatric providers in rural areas, causing the potential for adverse patient outcomes. The setting for this 8-week quality improvement project was a pediatric care clinic that sees …

Improving Depression Remission Screening Compliance, Crystal Wingerter

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Depressive disorders are widespread in the United States and are diagnosed and treated in the primary care setting. In 2019, there were an estimated 19.4 million adults that had at least one major depressive episode. The purpose of this project was to improve follow up and depression remission assessment for patients with a diagnosis of depression at a metropolitan family care practice clinic. The Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ–9) was utilized for remission assessment. Front desk staff and providers were trained and granted access to the quality information system (QIS) in the electronic medical records (EMR) system which allowed easy identification …

Improving Depression Screening Completion Rates For Medicare Patients In A Primary Care Setting, Kenneth J. Haluska

Evidence-Based Practice Project Reports

The United States Preventative Services Task Force recommends screening the general adult population for depression (Siu et al., 2016). Despite increasing clinical practice guidelines recommending depression screening, only 40-50% of depressed older adults are recognized and treated (Phoh et al., 2017). The purpose of this evidence-based practice (EBP) project was to implement a medical assistant (MA) depression screening protocol, using the PHQ-9 and staff education, to improve depression screening completion rates in Medicare patients in a primary care setting. An exhaustive literature search of eight databases yielded 14 pieces of evidence that made recommendations for best practice. The evidence was …

Psychometric Evaluation Of Phq–9 And Gad–7 Among Community Health Volunteers And Nurses/Midwives In Kenya Following A Nation-Wide Telephonic Survey, Sabina Odero, Paul Mwangi, Rachel Odhiambo, Brenda Nzioka, Constance Shumba, Eunice Ndirangu, Amina Abubakar

Institute for Human Development, East Africa

Background: Nurses/midwives and Community Health Volunteers (CHVs) are exposed to chronic stressors putting them at risk of developing mental health problems. This has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. There is limited empirical evidence of the burden of mental health problems among health care workers partly due to the lack of adequately standardized and validated measures for use among health care workers in Sub-Saharan Africa. This study aimed to perform the psychometric evaluation of the PHQ-9 and GAD-7 administered to nurses/midwives and CHVs across 47 counties in Kenya.

Methods: Between June and November 2021, a national survey on mental well-being …

Personal Health Questionnaire-9 And Interventions In Adults, Grace Alford

Masters Theses/Capstone Projects

This is an evaluation of the PHQ-9 depression screening and interventions in adults within an urban setting.

The Utilization Of Depression Screening Tools In Patients With Diabetes Type 2, Hanna Book, Kennedy Eldridge, Margaret Harvey Phd, Aprn, Acnp-Bc, Chfn, Artangela Henry Dnp, Agacnp-Bc, Fnp-C, Laura Reed Dnp, Fnp-Bc

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Purpose/Background

Diabetes and depression are highly prevalent and concerning conditions impacting millions worldwide. Evidence-based guidelines recommend regular depression screening of individuals with type II diabetes (DM2) to appropriately diagnose and treat depression and proactively enhance clinical outcomes. The gold standard for determining depression in patients with chronic disease is the diagnostic clinical interview; however, many clinicians have turned to brief, self-reported screening tools such as the PHQ-2 and the PHQ-9 whose use are recommended by evidence-based guidelines. This study aims to assess the utilization of the PHQ-2 and PHQ-9 versus no screening on DM2 patients in a primary care setting. …

The Effects Of School-Based Art Therapy On Depressed Adolescents, Jasmine Nicolas

Nursing | Student Research Posters

Depression in adolescents is associated with deficient behavioral and health outcomes (Fletcher, 2019). Art therapy has been shown to be effective in treating mental health condition such as depression. A student’s academic success heavily depends on treating their depression. Community health nurses can play a vital role in advocating for adequate mental health support to improve a student’s overall well-being and academic success. The literature review contains six articles on the prevalence and impact of depression among adolescents, art therapy as an intervention for improving psychological outcomes and resilience among adolescents, and experiences of adolescent clients in art therapy within …

Implementing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy For Insomnia With Motivational Interviewing In The Mental Health Setting, Kassandra E. Ransom

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Can you imagine not sleeping well for weeks or months at a time? Insomnia impacts approximately one-third of adults and is considered the most prevalent of all sleep disorders. With a lack of consistent, quality sleep, insomnia has significant negative consequences that impact a person’s overall mental well-being, like increased anxiety, depression, chronic pain, and daily coping. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) allows patients to reduce or eliminate insomnia or related symptoms without needing medication to obtain quality and consistent sleep. CBT-I is difficult, so partnering it with Motivational Interviewing (MI) techniques provides patient engagement and compliance to strike …

Covid-19 Lockdown: Impact On College Students’ Lives, Wendy C. Birmingham, Lori L. Wadsworth, Jane H. Lassetter

Faculty Publications

Objective: In light of COVID-19, leaders issued stay-at-home orders, including closure of higher-education schools. Most students left campus, likely impacting their employment and social network. Leaders are making decisions about opening universities and modality of instruction. Understanding students' psychological, physiological, academic, and financial responses to the shut-down and reopening of campuses can help leaders make informed decisions. Participants: 654 students from a large western university enrolled during the pandemic shutdown. Methods: Students were invited via email to complete an online survey. Results: Students reported stress, depression, loneliness, lack of motivation, difficulty focusing on schoolwork, restless sleep, appetite changes, job loss …

Implementation Of Collaborative Care Intervention Within A Fqhc To Achieve Uniform Data System (Uds) Measure Of Depression Remission, Rasha A. Kafi Msn, Rn, Fnp-C

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Background: Depression is one of the most common and treatable mental health conditions. Untreated depression causes emotional suffering, reduced productivity, lost wages, increased comorbidity risks, and increased healthcare costs.

Purpose: The purpose of this project was to implement Collaborative Care Interventions (CCI) to achieve the Uniform Data System (UDS) Measure of Depression Remission.

Aims: The AIMS of this project were: (a) Increases the percentage of nursing staff compliance and completion of the educational training; (b) increases nursing staff knowledge of recognition of depression signs and symptoms, early identification of depression, and administration to all adult patients; (c) Increase the percentage …

Psychosocial Predictors Of Early Postpartum Depressive And Anxious Symptoms In Primiparous Women And Their Partners., Erin J Henshaw, Marie Cooper, Teresa Wood, Stacey N Doan, Sanchita Krishna, Marie Lockhart

OhioHealth Research Institute Articles

BACKGROUND: While the majority of research on postpartum depressive and anxious symptoms has focused on mothers, a growing body of research suggests a need to understand the role of the partner's health and relationship quality as predictors of postpartum maternal depression, while also better understanding correlates of partner or paternal depression in the postpartum period. The purpose of the current study is to evaluate mother and partner stress, anxiety, mood, infant care support, and relationship quality as predictors of perinatal depressive and anxious symptoms in first time mothers and partners during the postpartum hospital stay.

METHODS: First time parent couples …

Examination Of The Relationship Between Breastfeeding Behaviors And Perinatal Mental Health During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Saher Rehmani, Miriam Kanan

College of Science and Health Theses and Dissertations

Introduction: Perinatal mental health disorders are often overlooked and have been heightened due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Understanding the association between breastfeeding and perinatal mental health is imperative. To date, to our knowledge there are no known studies, that have examined the relationship between perinatal mental health and breastfeeding behaviors among US-based perinatal populations during the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between maternal mental health and breastfeeding behaviors among US childbearing populations during COVID-19.

Material and Methods: A cross-sectional, internet-based study was performed in the United States mainly in the Chicagoland area between …

What I Need: Self Care At The Unit Level, Jessica A. Tindal

Nursing Posters

Purpose:

Self-care is individualized and best done when awarded on a small scale.

Goals:

For all employees of the ICU to:

• Feel valued outside of work
• Be recognized for taking care of themselves
• Participate in positive discussions
• Be rewarded for work life balance
• Be reminded of self-care
• Not feel alone with their thoughts
• Pause and reflect
• Help others, spouses, kids, etc.

Future plans include:

• Seasonal questions of things to see, places to explore
• Recipe sharing
• Hobby experts
• Focusing on staffs' interests

Faith-Based Collaboration To Improve Depression & Self-Compassion In The Elderly: A Dnp Project, Julita Cinguina

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Abstract

Faith-based organizations are in a position to improve mental health outcomes for the elderly. With the help of the Community Wellness Center at Our Lady of Fatima (OLF) Catholic Church in Wilton, Connecticut, a new action plan was implemented to accomplish this goal. The proposed DNP Project was an evidence-based, multi-factorial intervention to improve self-compassion and reduce risk for depression for the elderly in the community. It consisted of four structured group sessions over a 6-week period with each session lasting 45 minutes. The group meetings offered evidence-based strategies to improve mental health including: (1) purposeful spiritual counseling utilizing …

Therapeutic Gardening And Its Effects On Depressive Symptoms In Dementia Care, Shannon E. Norton

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Aim: To present a literature review of the positive effects and overall reduction of depressive symptoms that an intervention such as therapeutic gardening has on individuals living within memory care facilities.

Background: As most humans age, they often lose abilities or skills that they have had for their entire lives (e.g. driving, grooming, toileting, seeing and/or hearing). By implementing programs that involve therapeutic garden therapy, individuals with dementia who are at greater risk for clinical depressive symptoms may find that this alternative approach improves their symptoms.

Methods: A comprehensive, electronic, literature search in the CINAHL database was completed and included …

The Effects Of School-Based Art Therapy On Depressed Adolescents, Jasmine Nicolas

Nursing | Senior Theses

Depression in adolescents is associated with deficient behavioral and health outcomes (Fletcher, 2019). Art therapy has been shown to be effective in treating mental health condition such as depression. A student’s academic success heavily depends on treating their depression. Community health nurses can play a vital role in advocating for adequate mental health support to improve a student’s overall well-being and academic success. The literature review contains six articles on the prevalence and impact of depression among adolescents, art therapy as an intervention for improving psychological outcomes and resilience among adolescents, and experiences of adolescent clients in art therapy within …