Improving Diabetes Self-Management Through A Partnership Between Clinical Providers And Community Educators In Appalachian Communities, Soghra Jarvandi, Lydia Hoskins, Karen Carver, Andrew May

Journal of Appalachian Health

Introduction: The burden of diabetes is an increasing public health challenge, especially in the Appalachian Region.

Purpose: This study assessed the impact of a community-based diabetes education program on glycemic control.

Methods: Health Extension for Diabetes (HED) is a 4-month diabetes education program offered by Extension educators in collaboration with clinical providers. Participants’ data were collected via phone interviews at baseline and after completing the program. Assessments included self-reported HbA1c, socio-demographics, diabetes knowledge, self-efficacy, and self-management behaviors. Data were analyzed by SAS software using paired analyses.

Results: Of the 105 participants in the program, 87 (83%) completed the post-assessment. Among …

A Multifaceted Approach To Human Papillomavirus (Hpv) Vaccine Uptake Among Adolescents Ages 10-14 In A Public Health Clinic, Amy T. Norris

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States and a leading cause of several preventable cancers. Although the HPV vaccine is safe, highly effective, and routinely recommended for adolescents, vaccination rates remain below national targets, particularly in rural and public health settings. Multiple internal and external factors contribute to low HPV vaccination rates in public health settings.

Purpose: The Doctor of Nursing Practice quality improvement project aimed to increase HPV vaccine uptake through the implementation of a multifaceted, evidence-based intervention.

Project Design: Guided by Pender’s Health Promotion Model and the Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, …

Determinants Of Behavioral Intention To Change Sexual And Reproductive Health Practices Among Adolescents: A Hierarchical Multiple Linear Regression Analysis, Md Mizanur Rahman, Gerraint Gillan Ahi, Rafazila Ramli, Rasitasam Safii, Jacey Lynn Minoi, Stephanie Chua Hui Li, Ahmad Sofian Bin Shminan, Lee Jun Choi

Kesmas

Conventional and web-based sexual and reproductive health (SRH) interventions are increasingly used with adolescents, yet their comparative effectiveness and underlying mechanisms remain unclear. This study compared the two formats and examined the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) constructs as predictors of changes in intention to adopt health-protective SRH practices (including contraceptive use, service utilization, and parent–child communication) among Malaysian adolescents. A randomized controlled trial allocated adolescents to conventional or web-based SRH education. Intention-to-change behavior towards sexual and reproductive health scores was assessed at baseline, 1 month, and 3 months; change scores were modeled using hierarchical linear regression, including intervention type, …

Alcohol Awareness, Prevention, And Education In Greek Life, Vivian J. Mcmechen, Kara Ann Lasater, Page Dobbs

Health, Human Performance and Recreation Undergraduate Honors Theses

Background: Alcohol consumption is normalized in Greek Life culture, and this social standard can lead to risky health behaviors and overconsumption. At the University of Arkansas, approximately one-third of students are members of Greek Life; there is a need for prevention methods that understand students’ lived experiences. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to examine students’ experiences with alcohol prevention, awareness, and education as current members of Greek Life at the University of Arkansas. Through student interviews and surveys, this project aims to inform and provide recommendations for relatable and student-centered alcohol prevention and education efforts. Methodology: This study …

An Ot Educational Program For Individuals With Upper And Lower Limb Amputations, Laurie R. Spinks Mrs, Cassandra Nelson

Spring 2026 OTD Capstone Symposium

An OT approach to reducing prosthetic abandonment with an accessible guide to promote self sufficiency and community connections for individuals with amputations.

Balancing Education And Health Among Rural Schoolchildren During Prolonged Heat Wave In The Philippines, Elias Olapane

Kesmas

Intensifying heat waves disrupt learning environments in the Philippines, particularly in rural areas where schools often lack adaptive infrastructure. Many rural classrooms are built with heat-retaining materials, such as concrete, which trap excessive heat, leading to indoor temperatures exceeding safe comfort levels. These conditions lead to dehydration, fatigue, and reduced cognitive function, directly impairing students’ focus and academic performance. Schoolchildren are particularly vulnerable due to their developing thermoregulatory systems, higher metabolic demands, and potential preexisting health conditions. These risks are further amplified in rural communities with limited access to cooling, healthcare, and adaptive resources. These challenges require practical, context-specific interventions. …

Consumers' Perspectives On The Design Of A New Digital Frailty Education Course, ‘Focus On Frailty’: A Qualitative Co-Design Study, Kristiana Ludlow, Benignus Logan, Jhalak Arora, Sarah Martin, Elizabeth Miller, Ruth E. Hubbard, Nicola Warren, Olivia Gallagher, Rosemary Saunders

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Introduction: Frailty-focused care in hospitals is hindered by systemic barriers, ageism and stereotypes about older adults and frailty. There is a need for frailty education to increase healthcare professionals' and students' understanding of frailty. Objective: As part of a larger study to co-design a new digital frailty education course, ‘Focus on Frailty’, this study aimed to explore consumers' and caregivers' perspectives on (i) how frailty and older adults should be represented in frailty education and (ii) what healthcare professionals should be taught about caring for older adults and people who are frail in hospitals. Design: This was a qualitative co-design …

Lifesaving Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation: A Pilot Evaluation Of A Targeted Educational Intervention To Improve Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Provision In Volunteer Surf Lifesavers, David Reid, Katie M. Dixon, Leesa Equid, Chris Jacobson, Jasmin C. Lawes, Tracey Hare-Boyd, Andrew Chubb, Michelle Murphy, Kane Treloar, Pamela Simon, Ned Douglas

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Approximately 26,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur in Australia each year, and only 13% of patients survive their event and return home. Survival variability from out-of-hospital cardiac arrests can be explained by a range of factors. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) education quality-improvement programs focusing on identified elements of basic life support provision in concert with resuscitation system interventions have been associated with significant improvements in survival after cardiac arrest. Surf Life Saving Australia members respond to approximately 65 cardiac arrests per year in the community while on duty and have successfully resuscitated many beachgoers over the years. In addition to this, …

Cortical Visual Impairment Awareness And Education, Sarah Kozosey

Public Health Capstone Projects

Objectives: This Capstone Project, conducted in collaboration with The Children’s Home (TCH), aims to raise awareness of the educational aspect of cortical visual impairment (CVI) by compiling the work already done in schools, hospitals, and the communities it serves. The focus is on raising awareness and education, interdisciplinary collaboration, diagnosis and early detection, public health implications, and strategic planning and implementation through secondary research. Methods: This project uses CH’s strategic plan to improve the flow of grand rounds already enforced. Meetings with multiple people on the Marketing & Development team and Pediatric VIEW team will answer how much progress has …

The Importance Of Public Health In College Populations: Why Vaccines Are Important, Kashish Poore

Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)

This paper examines the importance of vaccines in college populations, where high-density living environments create unique vulnerabilities to infectious disease outbreaks. Despite vaccine mandates at most institutions, research indicates that many college students possess incomplete understanding of vaccine mechanisms and importance. The paper addresses three interconnected aspects: the biological foundations of vaccine-induced immunity, the significance of vaccination in collegiate settings, and the current state of vaccine literacy among students. Historical outbreaks on campuses, including meningitis at Princeton and mumps across several institutions, highlight the consequences of undervaccination. Social media misinformation has contributed significantly to vaccine hesitancy, particularly since COVID-19. The …

Why A Healthy Diet Is Important For Women's Health, Halley Doster

Theses and Dissertations

Nutrition plays a critical role in women’s reproductive health, yet many women face barriers to maintaining a balanced diet. This study aimed to examine the relationship between nutritional intake and reproductive health outcomes among women of reproductive age, as well as to assess their knowledge and challenges related to healthy eating. Using a cross-sectional survey design, data were collected from 50 women at a community health center and analyzed using SPSS to generate descriptive statistics and explore patterns through chi-square and regression analyses. Findings revealed that most participants had moderate to low fruit and vegetable intake, and fewer than half …

How To Save A Life: The Impact Of Death Prevention Education Including Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation And Hemorrhage Control On Adolescents, Emily Charlton

Nursing | Senior Theses

Background: Out of hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) and uncontrolled traumatic bleeding are two of the leading causes of death globally. Death due to OHCA and bleeding is largely preventable. With appropriate bystander intervention, positive outcomes in cases of OHCA and traumatic bleeding would greatly increase. Purpose: Bystander ability and intent to provide emergency cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and bleeding control is dependent on educational programs including death prevention first aid. Upon review of research, a gap was identified in adolescent death prevention training. The purpose of this proposed prospective study is to determine the effect of a high school education curriculum …

The Effects Of Medical Misinformation About Vaccines On Parents Of Pediatric Patients, Mya Izabela B. Emelia

Nursing | Senior Theses

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of an educational intervention designed for parents of pediatric patients who are vaccine hesitant and its impact on childhood vaccination rates. This research proposal aims to assess whether targeted education addressing vaccine misinformation, safety concerns, and benefits influences parental decision-making and improves vaccine uptake.

Methods

Parents of pediatric patients will be recruited from pediatric clinics and community health centers. Participants will complete a baseline survey before receiving an educational intervention addressing vaccine misinformation, social media-driven misconceptions, and hesitancy. A post-intervention survey will then assess changes in vaccine hesitancy, …

Optimizing Discharge Education For Patients With Heart Failure, Connie-Rose Pangan

Nursing | Senior Theses

Noncompliance can be a result of a lack of comprehension of discharge instructions and a lack of concise, effective educational resources. Due to this deficit, patients with heart failure are less likely to comply with their discharge protocol and are therefore more likely to be readmitted to the hospital. The aim of the study is to consolidate a teaching method that accommodates one's existing educational barriers, implement follow-up to increase knowledge retention and improve self care, and prevent readmission among HF patients. Two hundred hospitalized, English-speaking patients with heart failure above 65 years old across 20 US Hospitals will be …

Educating Nurses On Culturally Competent Intimate Partner Violence Care, Nicole Lee

Nursing | Student Research Posters

No abstract provided.

Multifactorial Fall Interventions For People Over 65 Years In The Acute Hospital Setting: Pre–Post-Test Design, Allison Wallis, Christina Aggar, Deb Massey

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Falls are the most reported patient safety incident for patients >65 years in acute hospital settings worldwide. While multifactorial fall interventions reduce the number of falls in subacute and rehabilitation settings, fall interventions in acute hospital settings are unknown. Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of multifactorial fall interventions on the number of falls using codesigned education targeting staff and the patient and review the environment in acute hospital settings in NSW, Australia for patients over 65 years of age. Method: A pre–post-test design with a non-equivalent group was conducted. All acute hospital inpatient falls occurring both pre- and post-intervention …

Evaluating The Efficacy Of A Serious Game To Deliver Health Education About Invasive Meningococcal Disease: Clustered Randomized Controlled Equivalence Trial, Lauren Bloomfield, Julie Boston, Martin Masek, Lesley Andrew, Donna Barwood, Amanda Devine

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) is a serious, vaccine-preventable infectious disease that can be life-threatening. Teaching adolescents about the early detection and prevention of IMD can be challenging in a school environment, with educators reporting they lack confidence or expertise to cover this in the classroom environment. Professional guest educators are an alternative to cover specialist topics such as IMD; however, time and resourcing constraints can mean that these educators are not always available. Serious games may be an alternative to face-to-face education, where complex health information may be delivered via self-directed gameplay. Objective: This study aims to develop a …

Nutrition Education Needs And Barriers Of Uninsured Clients Who Utilize Free Clinics In Western North Carolina, Manan Roy, Alisha Farris, Erin Loy, Lauren Sastre, Danielle L. Nunnery

Journal of Appalachian Health

Introduction: Many uninsured adults rely on free health clinics for prevention and treatment of chronic disease. Little is known about the nutrition education needs of adults served by free health clinics, especially those living in counties within the Western North Carolina Appalachian Mountain Region.

Methods: An in-person survey was distributed to 202 clients of two free health clinics in western North Carolina. Descriptive analyses were conducted to determine frequency distributions for food and physical activity practices, acceptable topics and strategies for nutrition education, and the acceptance and barriers for various modalities.

Results: Depending on the clinic, 49-58% of participants were …

Diabetes Health Education For South Jersey Communities, Heaven Chu, Sarah Tamous, Ashhabal Kavvi, Amin Khan

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Diabetes is a chronic health condition that hinders the body’s metabolic process using insulin to maintain glycemic homeostasis. It is prevalent worldwide, with about 10% of the global adult population affected. Socio-economic and cultural factors and determinants make diabetes and diabetes management more of a health risk for certain populations rather than others. The prevalence of diabetes in the United States is higher than the global average and the risk factors disproportionately affect disadvantaged communities.

This study was designed to investigate health disparities in diabetes among a diverse population sample. The study included researching the disparities of diabetes patients in …

Evaluation Of Seizure Recognition And First Aid Training Course And Improving Self-Efficacy Related To Medical Emergencies In Mississippi, Anna Katherine Herrington, Collin Earl Wayne Crawson, Daniel Robert Zuckerman

Honors Theses

Within recent years, there has been increased attention to the growing physician shortage across the United States. This shortage has placed substantial strain upon regions of lower healthcare access, particularly those of rural regions such as much of the state of Mississippi. As rural healthcare providers are placed under more strenuous conditions, they encounter issues of increased patient volume, lack of a trauma team, or adequate transportation to higher-level care facilities. These issues may exacerbate the present inequities in cost of living, access to adequate healthcare, and the distress caused by these concerns. Individuals with epilepsy are one cohort with …

The Effectiveness Of Education Through Web-Based Seminar In Increasing Knowledge About The Early Detection And Reporting Of Occupational Diseases, Keyne Christa Monintja, Dewi Sumaryani Soemarko, Dewi Yunia Fitriani, Herqutanto Herqutanto, Suryo Wibowo

Occupational and Environmental Medicine Journal of Indonesia

Background: In 2022, the Indonesian Occupational Medicine Association (IOMA) collaborated with oil and gas companies and conducted a web-based seminar (webinar) to enable participants to recognize occupational disease earlier and enhance reporting in companies. We aimed to investigate the effectiveness of the webinar in increasing the intended knowledge.

Method: The webinar was separated into three batches, with different participants per batch. Using a one-group pretest-posttest design, we utilized secondary data from IOMA. The effectiveness of the webinar was determined by participants' satisfaction and knowledge as measured by pre-test and post-test. After performing item analysis, we removed poor discriminating items in …

Impact Of Education As A Social Determinant On The Risk Of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus In Korean Adults, Mi-Joon Lee, Bum-Jeun Seo, Yeon-Sook Kim

Health Science and Human Ecology Faculty Publications

Education is correlated with health literacy, which is a combination of reading and listening skills, data analysis, and decision-making during the necessary health situations. This study aims to evaluate the effect of education on the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This is a population-based cross-sectional study using the 2019 nationwide survey data in Korea. There were 3951 study subjects, after excluding participants with missing data for key exposures and outcome variables. Descriptive statistics, χ2 (chi-square) test, and logistic regression were performed to analyze the data. The prevalence of T2DM was associated with educational attainment, sex, age, smoking status, …

Primary Care Physician Trust: The Importance Of Early Medical Intervention For African American Children With Asthma, Harrish Ganesh

AUCTUS: The Journal of Undergraduate Research and Creative Scholarship

Asthma is a prevalent condition characterized by an individual’s airway becoming inflamed, constricted, and leads to the formation of mucus and difficulty breathing. Nearly 27 million individuals are currently diagnosed with Asthma in the United States, and African Americans are 40% more likely to be diagnosed with asthma than Caucasians. This literature review analyzed multifaceted barriers that restrict African American asthmatic children from gaining consistent asthma treatment. Some of these barriers range from historical racial discrimination that leads to parental mistrust to financial and educational barriers that result in inconsistent pediatric care for asthmatic children. The combination of the above …

Outpatient Fall Prevention In Ambulatory Adults 65 Years Old And Over, Dorothy L. Osborne-White

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Projects - Archive

Background: In the United States (U.S.), falls are the leading cause of injury among adults 65 and over, resulting in 36 million falls yearly (Moreland et al., 2020). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, 2023), one in four older adults experiences a fall each year. Falls are the world's second most prominent cause of accidental deaths (World Health Organization [WHO], 2021). Falls are the leading cause of both fatal and non-fatal injuries among older adults (Moreland et al., 2020).

Methods: A quality improvement project that included a fall bundle was implemented in a primary clinic. A …

Cervical Cancer Education & Prevention For Women In The Philippines, Kate Isabel Juanillo

Nursing | Senior Theses

Although cervical cancer is preventable, it continues to pose a significant health concern in the Philippines as evidenced by high cervical cancer diagnosis rates. The purpose of this quantitative study is to investigate low cervical cancer screening rates and the effectiveness of educational interventions in increasing awareness and screening rates. A literature review will examine topics such as low cervical cancer screening rates, cervical cancer screening methods, and barriers. This research proposal involves a quasi-experimental study that investigates education as an intervention for increasing cervical cancer awareness and cervical cancer screening rates. Fifty Filipino women will be randomly assigned to …

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 …

Assessing The Value And Knowledge Gains From An Online Tick Identification And Tick-Borne Disease Management Course For The Southeastern United States, Catherine A. Lippi, Holly D. Gaff, Alexis L. White, Sadie J. Ryan

Biological Sciences Faculty Publications

Background

Tick-borne diseases are a growing public health threat in the United States. Despite the prevalence and rising burden of tick-borne diseases, there are major gaps in baseline knowledge and surveillance efforts for tick vectors, even among vector control districts and public health agencies. To address this issue, an online tick training course (OTTC) was developed through the Southeastern Center of Excellence in Vector-Borne Diseases (SECOEVBD) to provide a comprehensive knowledge base on ticks, tick-borne diseases, and their management.

Methods

The OTTC consisted of training modules covering topics including tick biology, tick identification, tick-borne diseases, and public health, personal tick …

How To Save A Life: The Impact Of Cpr And Bleeding Control Education On Adolescents, Emily Charlton

Nursing | Student Research Posters

Background: Out of hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) and uncontrolled traumatic bleeding are two of the leading causes of death globally. Death due to OHCA and bleeding is largely preventable. With appropriate bystander intervention, positive outcomes in cases of OHCA and traumatic bleeding would greatly increase. Purpose: Bystander ability and intent to provide emergency cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and bleeding control is dependent on educational programs including death prevention first aid. Upon review of research, a gap was identified in adolescent death prevention training. The purpose of this proposed prospective study is to determine the effect of a high school education curriculum …

Feasibility Of Using Podcasts For Knowledge Dissemination To Reduce Health Disparities For Women Targeting Preventative Initiatives And Lifestyle Medicine Interventions, Kristin Stovern

Doctor of Nursing Practice Scholarly Project

The purpose of this feasibility project was to look at podcasts to shed light on the issues that affect the well-being of women with gender-based disparities in healthcare. Women face persistent obstacles when it comes to the quality of healthcare they receive. One of the barriers that has been ever-present is with failure of the medical system to rigorously study the effects of diseases and drugs on women or to fund studies on women’s health conditions. Implicit biases and lack of access to care inhibit the quality of healthcare. Collectively, these issues result in unnecessary sickness, disability, and decreased quality …

Give Love With Lovenox: Improving Nurse Education On Lovenox Prophylaxis To Reduce Pulmonary Embolism Risk On The Postpartum Unit, Jennifer G. Domingo Rn

Master's Projects and Capstones

This quality improvement project aims to improve nurse education about Lovenox prophylaxis to reduce the risk of pulmonary emboli – post-discharge – amongst high-risk postpartum women who underwent vaginal and cesarean deliveries on the family baby unit. This project took place in a Family Baby/Postpartum Unit at Hospital SC. This unit has a total of 25 beds with an increased prevalence of pulmonary embolism following cesarean delivery. Nurses were given anonymous pre- and post-survey questionnaires and provided educational sessions with distributed handouts. A unit needs assessment was conducted using the 5 P’s. Out of the 72 nurses on the staff …