Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing Commons^™

Determinants Of Corporal Punishment And Severe Physical Punishment In Egypt: A Mixed-Methods Analysis For Child Protection Policy, Marwa Moustafa Nassef

Theses and Dissertations

Corporal punishment (CP) and severe physical punishment (SPP) remain a major public health, child rights, and child protection policy concern. In Egypt, despite legislative reforms, survey-weighted analysis of the 2021 Egypt Family Health Survey (EFHS) 2021 (CAPMAS, 2022) reveals prevalence rates of 60.5% for CP and 27.4% for SPP among children aged 1–14 (author’s calculations using EFHS-2021, n=7623), yet evidence distinguishing the determinants of routine corporal punishment from escalation to severe physical punishment remains limited in low- and middle-income contexts. Guided by Bronfenbrenner’s ecological framework, this mixed-methods study identifies key drivers of CP and its escalation to SPP among Egyptian …

Clinician Perspectives On Fistula Mental Health, Victoria K. Leonard

Doctoral Dissertations

Background – Obstetric fistula is a childbirth injury caused by prolonged labor that leads to stillbirth and incontinence, spurring social exclusion and isolation. These layers of trauma put women with fistula at great risk for psychological suffering, which has profound negative socioeconomic impacts on them, their families, and communities. This study captured treatment as usual at Comprehensive Community Based Rehabilitation in Tanzania (CCBRT), the country’s largest provider of fistula care.

Method – Improving holistic fistula treatment requires engaging the clinicians who care for women with fistula. This study aimed to investigate the training, beliefs, and treatment approaches of nurses and …

Silent Struggles: A Qualitative Study On Mental Health Stigma And Help- Seeking Among African Individuals In The U.S, Ololade Ekwere

Dissertations

Approximately one-third of African Americans and Caribbean Blacks who require mental health services seek and utilize them (Evans & Sheu, 2019). Research has shown that stigma surrounding mental health treatment contributes to lower rates of professional help-seeking among Black Americans (Pederson, 2023). Despite the growing diversity within the Black community, limited research exists on how stigma influences professional mental health help-seeking among Africans living in the United States.

The purpose of this qualitative descriptive study was to explore the effect of public stigma on the mental health help-seeking behaviors of Africans living in the United States. Demographic data were collected, …

Atypical Antipsychotic-Induced Weight Gain Preventive Bundle: A Quality Improvement Project, Jocelyn Urbano

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Projects - Archive

Antipsychotic-induced weight gain (AIWG) is a common, clinically significant adverse effect associated with second-generation antipsychotic medications and contributes to increased cardiometabolic risk among individuals with serious mental illness (SMI; Carolan et al., 2025; Hegde et al., 2024). Individuals experiencing homelessness or social instability often encounter additional barriers to maintaining healthy lifestyle behaviors and consistent engagement in healthcare, further increasing metabolic risks and treatment issues (Hamel et al., 2024; Kelly et al., 2025). This preventive care bundle, designed to reduce the risk of AIWG, was implemented in an outpatient behavioral health clinic serving an underserved urban Texas population.

As metformin may …

Moving Toward Healthy Ageing: The Role Of Physical Activity In Cognitive Function And Self-Esteem Among Older Adults In Türkiye, Canan Birimoglu Okuyan, Müjde Kerkez

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between religious attitudes and breastfeeding attitudes and the effect of this relationship on breastfeeding practices.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 251 older adults. Data were collected using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, the Standardized Mini-Mental State Examination, and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. Spearman’s correlation and chi-square tests were employed for statistical analysis.

Results: Physical activity levels were positively correlated with both cognitive function (r = 0.546, p < 0.001) and self-esteem (r = 0.168, p < 0.05). No significant association was observed between cognitive function and self-esteem. Physical inactivity, cognitive decline, and low self-esteem were more prevalent among women, participants with lower educational attainment, those with chronic diseases, and individuals engaged in polypharmacy.

Conclusions: The findings emphasize the importance of integrating physical activity promotion into national healthy ageing policies, particularly in Mediterranean contexts such …

Resonant Disruptions: Understanding Canadian Nurses’ Practice With Youth Survivors Of Sexual Exploitation, Danielle E. Giebelhaus, Andrew Estefan Phd, Rpn

Dignity: A Journal of Analysis of Exploitation and Violence

The sexual exploitation of youth is a global concern. Youth survivors of sexual exploitation present to and require healthcare services, but most nurses do not feel effectively equipped to care for this population. There is currently little nursing literature to guide nurses in their practice with youth survivors. In this article, we report on a qualitative, hermeneutic study undertaken to explore nursing practice with youth survivors of sexual exploitation. Hermeneutics is concerned with understanding, and is a helpful way to conduct research when little is known about a topic. In this study, we asked the research question, “How might we …

From Fee For Service To Outcome Based Care: A Policy Proposal To Reduce Provider Burnout In Assertive Community Treatment, Amanda M. Thompson

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Manuscripts

Purpose: This project examines the impact of the fee-for-service (FFS) reimbursement models on provider burnout within Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) programs and proposes a hybrid reimbursement framework that integrates case-rate and outcome-based payment structures. The goal is to enhance care quality, improve provider retention and optimize patient outcomes by addressing financial and administrative inefficiencies inherent in the current model.

Background: Mental illness affects over 59 million U.S. adults with serious mental illness (SMI) presenting significant challenges in healthcare delivery. ACT is an evidence-based, multidisciplinary approach designed to provide intensive, community-based psychiatric care to individuals with serious mental illness (SMI). However, …

Psychoeducational Training For Community Health Workers To Improve Confidence In Providing Mental Health Services To Migrants, Nimota M. Akintoye

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Translational and Clinical Research Projects

There is a higher prevalence of mental health illnesses among migrants. This minority group is faced with challenges in accessing healthcare due to poverty, stigmatization, and fear of discrimination. Research has shown that community health workers (CHWs) bridge the gap between the health and social service sectors and the patients by improving patient access to care and healthcare outcomes. A translational project was implemented to evaluate how psychoeducational training improved the CHWs’ confidence and knowledge level in providing mental health support to the patients and community members. Sister Calista Roy’s Adaptation Model was used to guide the study by incorporating …

Addressing Gaps In The Continuum Of Care: A Quality Improvement Project Focused On Adolescent Youth With Depression Symptoms At A School-Based Health Clinic, Leah Nigon

Theses and Graduate Projects

This Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) quality improvement project aimed to address gaps in the continuum of care for adolescents experiencing depression symptoms at a school-based health clinic (SBHC) within an alternative learning community school (ALCS) in southeast Minnesota. Adolescent depression rates are on the rise and are only exacerbated by systemic barriers and social determinants of health, requiring improved mental health care access. Guided by Madeleine Leininger’s Culture Care Theory, the project focused on improving follow-up care for students with elevated depression scores on the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9-M). A tracking system was developed, and the SBHC nurse contacted …

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 …

Resilience And Reality: Exploring The Lived Experiences Of People Living With Hiv In Texas During The Covid-19 Pandemic – A Qualitative Study., Ahmed F. Alanazi

Social Work Dissertations - Archive

This study investigated the lived experiences of individuals living with HIV (PLWH) in the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) area of Texas during the COVID-19 pandemic, using an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) framework. The research examined the intersection of health, social dynamics, and psychological resilience among PLWH, who faced compounded vulnerabilities due to systemic inequities and the dual public health crises of HIV and COVID-19. Through semi-structured interviews with ten participants from diverse backgrounds, the study captured the profound impacts of disrupted healthcare systems, heightened stigma, and social isolation on this marginalized population. The findings reveal that the pandemic exacerbated existing inequities …

The Effect Of A Hospital Community Garden On Healthcare Workers’ Professional Quality Of Life, Madelyn Renee Cline

DNP Projects

Background: Healthcare professionals experience a variety of stressors which negatively impact their professional quality of life (ProQOL) potentially leading to increased turnover and nurse shortages in hospitals. There are growing studies addressing ways to improve healthcare ProQOL, yet few have examined the impact of alterations to the workplace on these outcomes.

Purpose: The purpose of this project was to evaluate the effect of a dedicated outdoor green space for nurses during shift breaks on their ProQOL.

Methods: This project used a one-group pretest-posttest design. Data analysis was completed using descriptive and inferential statistics using SPSS software. The Professional Quality of …

Addressing Alcohol Use Disorder In The Outpatient Indigenous Health Clinic Setting, Kylie M. Timmerman

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Projects

Background: Alcohol use disorder disproportionately impacts American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) populations at higher rates of disease morbidity and mortality. In the primary care setting, few treatment resources are available to patients outside of medication-only options.

Local Problem: While the intervention site (rural Tribal Federally Qualified Health Center [FQHC]) was known to have a well-established medication-assisted treatment (MAT) program for opiate use disorder (OUD), the was a need for alcohol use disorder (AUD) resources.

Methods: A review of current evidence was conducted to explore best practices for addressing AUD in the AIAN outpatient clinic setting.

Intervention(s): A quality improvement …

Medication Assisted Therapy And First Episode Psychosis: Evaluating Treatment And Readmission Rates, Kayla Sherea Williams Bsn, Rn, Hannah Lee Brenner Bsn, Rn, Madison Makenzie Yount Bsn, Rn, Jacqueline Sharp Dnp, Aprn, Pmhp-Bc

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Background The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that each day more than 140 U.S. residents die from drug overdoses, specifically due to opioids. Due to this, alternatives were created to reduce overdoses and ensure safety. Medication assistance therapy (MAT) is an effective form of treatment for people with substance use disorders and is defined as the use of medication in conjunction with counseling or therapy for the treatment of substance use disorders. The efficacy of MAT is used adjunctively with psychotropic medications compared to using no MAT and using psychotropic medications alone with individuals who are experiencing …

Police Versus Non-Police Response To 988 Crisis Calls, Miriam A. Maloney-Mattheisen Bsn, Rn, Latrina N. Blakemore Msn, Fnp-Bc, Janelle M. Scullark Msn, Fnp-C, Jacqueline Sharp Dnp, Pmhnp-Bc, Sharon Little Dnp, Fnp-Bc, Margaret Harvey Phd, Aprn, Acnp-Bc, Chfn

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Purpose/Background

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a mental health-specific emergency line that became nationally available in July of 2022. This resource allows callers in crisis to connect with trained mental health professionals. Despite the initiation of this new dispatching service, there is still a significant shortage of trained mental health professionals to respond to these calls when they require emergency intervention. The present scoping review aims to determine whether non-police crisis responses correlate to improved outcomes when compared to police response as evidenced by reduced inpatient admissions, reduced arrests, and decreased presence of intrusive traumatic symptoms following intervention. …

Coping Strategies During The Covid-19 Pandemic Among The Undergraduate Nursing Students Attending Virtual Classes In Selected Nursing Institutions Of Udupi Taluk, Karnataka., Rohan Shettigar Mr, Karthik Gavalkar Mr, Jeeshpa Karkera Ms, Pooja P Ms, Swathi Shenoy Ms, Pratibha Kamath, Radhika R. R Pai Dr

Manipal Journal of Nursing and Health Sciences

Introduction

Psychological and sociocognitive behavior changes will occur during the Covid-19 pandemic, especially concerning students’ academic activities, which might impact one's health and well-being. As a result of this, it could result in dysfunctional behaviors and unhealthy lifestyles, which may indicate a shift in well-being that calls for quick attention and intervention.

Methods

A descriptive survey design was adopted for the present study to identify the coping strategies adopted by nursing students during COVID-19. The study was conducted among 60 fourth-year B.Sc. Nursing students using the purposive sampling technique. The data was collected using structured questionnaires on coping strategies adopted …

Epds-Us (English), Sara W. Moyer, Patricia Kinser

School of Nursing Publications

How we talk about perinatal mental health matters, even in the minute details of words on screening forms. Any shifts towards removing barriers to screening, reducing stigma, encouraging disclosures, raising awareness related to symptom prevalence and the breadth symptom related experiences, and creating opportunities for connecting with support and care are essential.

In the EPDS-US, we have adapted the wording of the original Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), using a respectful care and trauma-informed approach with a focus on optimizing patient experiences and clinical utility while maintaining reliability and validity of the 10 item scale. Many individuals report feelings of …

The Education Prescription: Exploring The Potential Of Patient Education To Reduce Mental Health Issues In Hormonal Contraceptive Users, Maria Abraham

Nursing | Senior Theses

The many birth control options available impact a woman’s life, as hormonal contraceptives are commonly used but often misunderstood. These contraceptives, which contain progestin only, or estrogen and progestin combined, can come in various forms such as pills, implants, IUDs, injections, the vaginal ring, and skin patches. They offer benefits such as reduced menstrual cramps and ectopic pregnancy risk. However, they may lead to adverse side effects which can include increased blood pressure, nausea, headaches, breakthrough bleeding, and a higher risk of blood clots, with research indicating a potential link between oral contraceptive use and a decline in the user’s …

Reducing The No Show Rates For Mental Health Appointments Among Young Adults, Johnnie Carrico

Student Scholarly Projects

Practice Problem: Missed patient appointments have become an increasingly significant issue for healthcare organizations, private practices, and clinics. No show appointments can negatively impact the operational functions of these organizations including lost revenue. The clinical practice site’s pre-intervention no-show rate for young adult mental health appointments was 21%. The high percentage of missed mental health visits has resulted in both lost revenue for the clinic and disruptions in patient care.

PICOT: The PICOT question that guided this project was: In young adults 18-25 years with mental health appointments (P) how does patient preferred appointment reminders (I) compared to …

Social Identities And Campus Belonging As Predictors Of Flourishing Among College Students, Christine Gilchrist

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Annual data since 2012 shows college students’ flourishing (a measure of psychological well-being) in continuous decline, with 2022 showing the largest decrease. Since the knowledge base of the predictors of flourishing is limited, how college executives can best address this issue is unclear. Variations in flourishing have been observed in studies that examined the relationship between food insecurity (DeBate et al., 2021), race/ethnicity (Lipson et al., 2018, 2022; Nyunt et al., 2022; Parr, 2022), immigration status (Cadenas & Nienhusser, 2021), as well as gender identity and sexual orientation (Parr, 2022). The intersectional impact of demographic and social identities has not …

Therapeutic Gardening For Mental Health In Substance Use Recovery, Stephanie E. Schafer

Master's Projects and Capstones

Abstract

As the clinical nurse leader (CNL) in this project, I used the “[CNL]

Essential 1: Background for Practice from Sciences and Humanities” (Competencies and Curricular Expectations for Clinical Nurse Leader Education and Practice, 2013) and its competencies to focus on designing nursing care for a clinical or community-focused population based on biopsychosocial, public health, nursing, and organizational sciences and to synthesize evidence for practice to determine appropriate application of interventions across diverse populations. With the help of the CNL competencies and collaboration with the healthcare team, we created and implemented a therapeutic garden for residents in a substance use …

The Usability And Feasibility Of A Nursing Evidence-Based Comorbidity Educational Website For An Urban Mental Health Assertive Community Treatment (Act) Program, Andrea Brudigan, Laurie Sewell-Muller, Kokuvi Sena Tsogbevi

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects: College of Nursing

Objective: Serious mental illness (SMI) causes an increased risk for comorbidities like heart disease, obesity, metabolic syndrome, and diabetes. Many times, these comorbidities are due to side effects of antipsychotics and poor self-management from low insight and other symptoms of mental illness. This project aims to enhance client care enrolled in an Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) program by providing evidence-based resources tailored to clients with SMI, providing ACT team members with support to promote healthy behaviors in clients.

Methods: A website was developed that provides printable, easy-to-read, evidence-based resources that address physical comorbidities. The ACT team integrated these resources into …

Effectiveness Of Non-Pharmacological Interventions When Treating Postpartum Depression In First-Time Mothers, Rudy Trujillo, Tamantha Minton-Damm, Ashley Muntean, Natalia Lack

Symposium of Student Scholars

Abstract

Non-pharmacological intervention alone or paired with pharmacological interventions is somewhat effective in treating and lowering rates of postpartum depression (PPD) in women. Undergraduate students reviewed studies of the use of pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments for postpartum depression. To narrow down results, the students based the review on studies completed within the last 10 years, focusing specifically on primiparas (first births) women. Responses ranged from no notable efficacy in reducing PPD measured against the Edinburgh Scale to marginal improvements when non-pharmacological and pharmacological approaches were combined, and testing extended to other scales of motherhood and postpartum. The students discuss the …

Emergency Care For Youth Who Experience Suicidality And Identify As Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Queer/Questioning (Lgbtq+): An Interpretive Phenomenology, Theresa Schultz

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Purpose: Suicide is a leading cause of death in children; youth who identify as LGBTQ+ are at an exponentially higher risk of suicide. The purpose of this study was to explore the lived experiences of young adults who identify as LGBTQ+ and sought emergency care for suicidality when they were adolescents.

Methods: Heideggerian hermeneutics phenomenology is the research method used in this study. Youth, ages 18-25 years, who identify as LGBTQ+ and sought emergency treatment for suicidality when they were adolescents (13-17 years) were recruited to participate;fifteen youth enrolled. Individuals ranged in age from 20 to 25 years. Participants described …

Implementation Of Community Health Workers To Improve Birth Outcomes, Emiko Maruri, Trinette Radasa, Jo Loomis

DNP Qualifying Manuscripts

Those who have ever been affected by an adverse childhood experience (ACE) have a greater likelihood of having poor birth outcomes. These include low infant birth weight, preterm delivery and can even lead to pregnancy loss. Black and Latina women have been identified by the Center’s for Disease Control (CDC) as those most affected by ACEs. The direct relationship is that Black and Latinas therefore have poor birth outcomes. With the implementation of nurse trained Community Health Workers (CHWs), the impacts within the community includes decreasing health care costs, adopting healthier choices for mother and child, and providing support and …

The Impact Of Outcomes On Depression Literacy In School-Age Children Who Received Depression Education, Loretta Q. Smith Aprn, Pnp-Bc, Bobby Bellflower Dnsc, Nnp-Bc, Faanp

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Purpose/Background Recognizing mental illness is crucial in adolescence. It is the second leading cause of suicide and death in children 10-19 years of age. Early identification and recognition of signs and symptoms could prevent progressive mental health illness in early childhood and adulthood. We are seeking to answer the PICO question: In adolescents between 10 and 19 years of age who are enrolled in school (P), how does receiving education on depression awareness (I) compared to not receiving education on depression awareness (C) affect depression scores (O)?

Methods This review was conducted on articles about adolescent children. These articles were …

Boarding Barriers For Psychiatric Patients In Emergency Departments, Emmeline B. Martin Bsn, Rn, Alison Rossano Bsn, Rn, Diana Dedmon Dnp, Aprn, Fnp-Bc

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Objective To identify past or current literature about emergency department holds and psychiatric patients consisting of the evaluation of patient outcomes, satisfaction and equity of care. It is already known that shorter boarding times from the emergency department to a psychiatric unit have positive patient outcomes such as a decrease in readmissions, increase in patient satisfaction and efficiency in appropriate treatment.

Method A scoping review to analyze data by grouping articles into themes which included authors, date of publication, aims/purpose, methodology, sample, interventional details, and the key findings in each article. Excluded articles included those discussing COVID-19 and case management. …

A Scoping Review: Trauma Informed Care For Justice Involved Youth To Decrease Recidivism, Tamika Beecham, Marissa Gray, Shelby Husband, Diana Dedmon Dnp, Fnp, Bc

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Purpose The purpose of this scoping review was to address trauma-informed care, juvenile justice systems, and recidivism rates. The literature review conducted identified key research and analysis of effective trauma-informed treatment methodologies, referrals, and accessibility of care for justice-involved youth, and the rate change of recidivism related to trauma-informed treatment and interventions.

Background The high rates of recidivism in the juvenile court systems matched with the increased prevalence of psychological trauma in justice-involved youth represent the need for implementing trauma informed care. The scoping review analyzed the research implementing the intervention of trauma informed care to determine if it resulted …

Reducing Immigration-Related Stress In An Immigrant Population, Stephanie Avdagic

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Capstones

Immigrants are a growing population in the United States and face stressors specific to immigration. Stress is associated with increased mental and physical health issues, so increased stress puts this population at risk for many health concerns. A review of literature showed that implementing community resource classes for immigrants may help decrease immigration-related stress. The purpose of this evidence-based project was to assess if implementation of community resource classes at a local day center for immigrants could help decrease immigration-related stress. The classes addressed issues such as limited English proficiency and lack of legal immigration status. The Stress of Immigration …

Adolescent Mothers And Kangaroo Mother Care: A Scoping Review, Genna K. Rivers, Robin B. Dail Phd, Rn, Faan, Robin Dawson Phd, Rn, Cpnp-Pc

Senior Theses

Kangaroo mother care (KMC), the practice in which mothers hold their infants skin-to-skin against their bare chest, can increase bonding and attachment between mothers and their infants. However, there is not much research on the benefits of KMC within the adolescent or teen mother population (13-19 years old). The purpose of this scoping review was to identify how common KMC is within the teen mother population, determine how KMC varies based on social determinants of health and race/ethnicity within the adolescent mother population, and how KMC impacts adolescent mothers’ maternal attachment and bonding with their infants. PubMed and CINAHL databases …