Preventive Medicine Commons^™

Home Blood Pressure Monitoring Bundle For Hypertension Outcomes In Adult Patients Receiving Care In Public Health Clinics, Christine Jennifer Victorian

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Projects - Archive

Background: Hypertension (HTN) that is not adequately controlled leads to cardiovascular disease, stroke, and heart disease. It affects 116 million adults (47%) in the United States (U.S.). The HTN compliance rate in a South Texas public health clinic was 64%, below the national benchmark of 76%. Home blood pressure monitoring (HBPM) was recommended in a joint statement by the American Heart Association (AHA) and the American Medical Association (AMA). Literature evidence revealed that the HBPM bundle increased BP control (< 140/90 mmHg) compliance.

Methods: A quality improvement (QI) bundle was initiated to address the low HTN compliance rate from a quality management perspective. …

Addressing Healthcare Disparities Faced By Aging Down Syndrome Populations, Rhea Mistry

Pitzer Senior Theses

Down syndrome (DS) is a chromosomal genetic condition that impacts the development of the body and brain. The life expectancy of individuals with DS has drastically improved over the decades, increasing from 9 years in 1929 to 25 years in 1983 and further reaching 60 years by 2002. Individuals with DS face a variety of prominent co-occurring health conditions that are subject to change over time, including cognitive, visual, and hearing impairments, sleep apnea, cardiovascular defects, Down syndrome regression disorder, and dementia. Despite this increase in life span, DS is still most familiar to pediatric care providers, resulting in healthcare …

The Unequal Distribution Of Social Risk For Black Men Across The Life-Span. A Novel Framework., Waleed Y. Sami

Adultspan Journal

This conceptual overview offers a comprehensive overview of systemic pathways that negatively impact the mental health of Black Men throughout their lives. Our argument highlights the importance for counselors and mental health professionals to utilize a thorough social risk assessment that considers these pathways in order to effectively address the mental health needs of Black Men while fostering positive working relationships. This overview strongly advocates for the use of context and structural determinants when evaluating mental health symptoms. Without an appropriate understanding of social risk and determinants, counselors may inadvertently perpetuate disparities by decontextualizing symptomology, and reproducing racist discourse.

Understanding Guardian Perceptions Of Whole-Foods Plant-Based Diets As Interventions In Pediatric Medicine, Vijay R. Luthra

Honors Undergraduate Theses

The obesity epidemic is widespread in American society, often affecting children who bear its consequences innocently. Due to a lack of nutrition knowledge, children rely on caregivers to meet their nutritional needs and instill healthy habits. This study examines parents' attitudes, knowledge, and behaviors, as well as perceived barriers to adopting a whole-foods plant-based diet (WFPD) for their children. Using a modified survey instrument by Morton et al., this study focused on parents and children regarding dietary choices. Participants were recruited from the waiting area of a pediatric clinic at the Medical College of Georgia between April and May 2023. …

The Impact Of Lung Cancer Screening Education On Knowledge And Screening Rates In A Kentucky Cancer Survivorship Clinic, Alexandra Isler

DNP Projects

Background: Lung cancer is a significant problem in Kentucky, which ranks fourth in the nation in adults who currently smoke. Early detection, through lung cancer screening, can prevent untimely deaths. Several barriers to screening exist including lack of knowledge and awareness among patients regarding lung cancer screening. By increasing knowledge, at risk patients can take the necessary steps to decrease incidence of late stage diagnoses.

Purpose: The purpose of this project was to evaluate patients’ knowledge of lung cancer screening and referral and screening rates before and after one-on-one patient education.

Methods: This was a quality improvement project that used …

Improving Awareness And Identifying Risks For Emergence Delirium In Military Veterans, Hannah E. Pino

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Background: Emergence delirium (ED) is an acute state of confusion during the recovery phase from anesthesia that may be life-threatening, especially in the veteran population. Military veteran status may be explored by the Have You Ever Served questionnaire that was developed by the American Academy of Nursing to identify veterans upon admission to the hospital and thus be able to better care for them during their stay. This campaign has been in effect at the hospital site of this project for nearly 10 years. The questionnaire identifies military history risk factors such as combat history or a diagnosis of post-traumatic …

Obesity, Overweight Rates, And Related Factors Among Adults In The Rustic Realm Of Western India, Monika Patel, Jimmy Kagathara, Eshwar Kumar Gupta, Nancy Kagathara, Jitesh Mehta, Dipesh Parmar

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: Obesity and overweight pose significant challenges in developing countries, underscoring the need for evidence-based prevention strategies. This study focuses on assessing the prevalence and associated factors of overweight and obesity in the rural areas of Jamnagar district, Gujarat, India.

Methods: Data collection encompassed six tehsils within Jamnagar district, with primary health center selection via simple random sampling. Individual selection employed the consecutive sampling approach. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS software. Regression analysis was employed to identify the independent factors linked to overweight and obesity.

Results: The analysis included 408 participants, revealing a higher obesity prevalence …

Genital Tract Infections, The Vaginal Microbiome And Gestational Age At Birth Among Pregnant Women In South Africa: A Cohort Study Protocol, Ranjana M.S. Gigi, Mandisa M. Mdingi, Hyunsul Jung, Shantelle Claassen-Weitz, Lukas Bütikofer, Jeffrey D. Klausner, Christina A. Muzny, Christopher M. Taylor, Janneke H.H.M. Van De Wijgert, Remco P.H. Peters, Nicola Low

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

Introduction Preterm birth complications are the most common cause of death in children under 5 years. The presence of multiple microorganisms and genital tract inflammation could be the common mechanism driving early onset of labour. South Africa has high levels of preterm birth, genital tract infections and HIV infection among pregnant women. We plan to investigate associations between the presence of multiple lower genital tract microorganisms in pregnancy and gestational age at birth. Methods and analysis This cohort study enrols around 600 pregnant women at one public healthcare facility in East London, South Africa. Eligible women are ≥18 years and …

Non-Clinical Perspectives On Sepsis: A Project For Enhanced Awareness, Anjali Kumari Singh

Master's Projects and Capstones

Problem: This project aimed to enhance non-clinical staff knowledge of sepsis through a targeted awareness campaign, while also seeking to uphold or enhance the organization's sepsis-related performance.

Context: Clinical Nurse Leader students conducted a microsystem assessment in five crucial non-clinical departments of an urban Bay Area hospital, each playing a vital role in the organization's efficiency at different levels.

Intervention: During Sepsis Awareness Month, a sepsis awareness campaign was implemented. This involved a concise presentation on sepsis, its consequences, and the significance of awareness in each department. Additionally, informational fliers detailing sepsis signs and symptoms were distributed.

Measures: A pre-and …

A Comprehensive Program Evaluation Of Colorectal Rescreening Initiatives In Rural Virginia, Sarah E. Stowell

Doctors of Nursing Practice (DNP) Final Projects, 2020-current

Background: Despite low-cost and effective screening tools, colorectal cancer (CRC) mortality remains high in the U.S., particularly in rural areas like Virginia’s Northern Shenandoah Valley, where screening rates are low. While literature highlights barriers to CRC screening in these communities and suggests improvement strategies, few studies focus on long-term adherence to screening in rural health clinics (RHCs).

Purpose: This program evaluation assessed the impact and effectiveness of the Rural Colorectal Cancer Rescreening Initiative (RCRI), a pilot program to increase colorectal cancer rescreening rates in a local RHC. It also offers recommendations for optimizing future RCRI efforts. Methods: The program evaluation …

Improving Access To Early Interventions For Prediabetic Patients, Kimberleigh M. Telling

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Approximately 88 million Americans, or nearly one-third of the population, have prediabetes. This condition has a high rate of progression to type 2 diabetes, reaching 70%. However, early identification, diagnosis, and participation in lifestyle interventions can effectively reduce the risk and promote euglycemia. Regrettably, 85% of those with prediabetes are unaware. The goal of this quantitative quality improvement project was to enhance the use of the prediabetes diagnosis code by primary care providers, who play a crucial role in preventing type 2 diabetes. The purpose was to improve access to early intervention for individuals with prediabetes, following the guidelines of …

Implementing A Foot Screening Project For Diabetic Patients In An Assisted Living Facility, Beatrice L. Bailey

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Diabetes impacts around 422 million individuals globally, resulting in 1.5 million reported annual deaths. Type 2 diabetes affects approximately 35.4% of the population in the United States, with 1.4 million new cases identified each year. When not managed properly, diabetes can spiral into a long list of complications. Among the various challenges in diabetes management, foot complications stand out as significant and often avoidable. Without proper attention, these complications can lead to severe health issues. To address this concern, this project focuses on resolving standard foot inspection practices within an assisted living facility in central Mississippi. The goal is to …

Improving Outcomes For Women Following Gynecological Surgery Through Implementation Of Multimodal Analgesia As Part Of An Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (Eras) Protocol, Shannan M. Case

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

The opioid epidemic in the United States has been a continuous public health crisis, as opioid-associated overdose has become one of the leading causes of death. The risk of opioid misuse increases following exposure to opioids perioperatively. As a result, anesthesia providers are facing a significant shift in practice to decrease opioid administration while adequately managing perioperative pain. While opioids have historically been the mainstream for perioperative pain management, multimodal analgesic (MMA) regimens as part of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) programs are being utilized as alternative methods. With these programs, opioids are reduced by administering non-opioids with neuraxial and …

The Implementation Of A Diabetic Foot Screening Tool Into A Primary Care Practice, Joanna P. Barnett

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Inconsistent guidelines and nonadherence to diabetic foot screening recommendations are ongoing problems. This project aimed to promote the prevention of diabetic foot complications by detecting complications early and determining who is at high risk. An educational intervention provided for clinicians addressing the importance of foot assessments and the use of a diabetic foot screening tool was provided. After the education was provided, a pre-and post-test comparison was assessed for increased knowledge. Due to a small sample size and the need to assess results quickly, the plan-do-study-act method guided the project. Post-intervention, the goal was to have four providers increase the …

Knowledge, Attitude, And Perception Of The General Public Towards The Impact Of Hemoglobinopathies On Pregnancy Outcomes: A Questionnaire-Based Study, Kumud Dhankhar, Kiran Dahiya, Shobha Chikkavaddaragudi Ramachandra, Akila Prashant

International Journal of Health and Allied Sciences

Background: Knowledge about hemoglobinopathies in the general public is unsatisfactory. Many couples are unaware of their carrier status and a child can be born with unexpected, serious hemoglobinopathies. Willingness to participate in screening programs can substantially help in bringing down the birth of children affected with hemoglobinopathies. To understand the knowledge, attitude, and perception of the general public on various hemoglobinopathies and their pregnancy outcomes we performed a questionnaire-based descriptive survey. Methods: After obtaining approval from the institutional ethics committee and validation by an expert panel we circulated a Google form consisting of 21 questions via WhatsApp which was made …

Revascularization Impact: Quality Of Life Enhancement In Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischemia, Cristian Traian Paius, Vlad Denis Constantin, Alexandru Carap, Andrei Tarus, Grigore Tinica

Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences

Introduction. Globally, over 230 million people have peripheral artery disease, often undiagnosed, leading to chronic limb-threatening ischemia. Revascularization is vital for preventing amputation and improving quality of life. While specific questionnaires for severe ischemia are lacking, the SF-36 questionnaire is widely used to assess quality of life, with variations like SF-12 and SF-8 for larger cohorts. Objectives. Our aim was to assess how different lower limb revascularization methods affect the postoperative quality of life in patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia. Methods. This study was conducted at the St. Pantelimon Emergency Hospital of Bucharest, Romania. It included 166 adult patients with …

Diabetes Mellitus: Interdisciplinary Medical, Surgical And Psychological Therapeutic Approach, Bogdan Socea, Adrian Silaghi, Laura Florentina Rebegea, Daniela Gabriela Balan, Cristian Balalau, Tiberiu Ștefăniță Tenea-Cojan, Doina Andrada Mihai, Ioana Paunica

Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences

Diabetes mellitus is a complex and widespread metabolic disease, having extremely complex implications (biological, psychological, social) for patients. Understanding the pathophysiology of diabetes (majorly influenced by various factors such as genetic predisposition, age, lifestyle choices, etc.) is essential for the prevention of this condition and the establishment of effective treatment strategies. The latest and relevant literature data related to the epidemiology, pathophysiology, and treatment of diabetes are presented, after an exhaustive review of the articles published on this topic and indexed in the WOS, PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar databases. Preventing or delaying the onset of diabetes can be achieved …

Covid-19 As A Second Hit For Anti-Phospholipid Syndrome, Himabindu Kolli, Pooja Maknoor, Celin Rajan, Nevin Varghese

Research Colloquium

Background: Anti-phospholipid syndrome (APS) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by venous and arterial thrombosis, usually in setting of underlying autoimmune disorders. Here, we present a case of anti-phospholipid syndrome post covid infection.

Case Presentation: 41-year-old lady presented to the ER with complaints of left sided facial droop for 3-day duration. On further evaluation, she was found to have subacute ischemic stroke and was managed with anticoagulation and supportive treatment. Past medical history is significant for a recent diagnosis of Covid infection and for subsequent development of lower extremity deep vein thrombosis (DVT). She was started on anticoagulation with rivaroxaban for …

Evaluation Of The Effectiveness Of Foot-And-Mouth Disease Vaccination Of Animals In The Buffer Zone Of The Republic Of Armenia In 2016–2020, Satenik Kharatyan, Khachik Sargsyan, Hasmik Elbakyan, Tigran Markosyan, Pertsh Tumanyan, Varduhi Hakobyan, Vazgen Sargsyan, Manvel Badalyan, Gayane Chobanyan, Jenna E Achenbach

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

BACKGROUND: Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a high impact viral disease of livestock for which vaccines are extensively used for limiting the spread of infection. Armenia shares a border with both Turkey and Iran where FMD is endemic, making vaccination an important component of Armenia's control strategy. Additionally, Armenian veterinary services utilize both passive and active monitoring for prevention control.

METHODS: We sought to determine the immune status of animals vaccinated against FMD and to evaluate the effectiveness of our vaccination policy in Armenia. This was conducted in three regions including Shirak, Armavir, and Ararat Region which are located in the …

Comparing Stroke Symptom Recognition And Intervention Times In The Rio Grande Valley, Joshua M. Ninan, Kelsey Baker

Research Symposium

This is a retrospective study that aims to evaluate the duration from onset of stroke-like symptoms to presentation to medical facilities for aid in the Rio Grande Valley. The main goal of the study is to understand the extent of pre-hospital delays with regards to the treatment of stroke in the RGV.