9667 research outputs found
Sort by
A critical discourse analysis of the language of hospice enrollment: A multiple case study of patient, family, nurse, and physician discourse in the United States
No full textThe Medicare Hospice Benefit, established in 1982, is integral to end-of-life care. Despite the demonstrated benefits, hospice enrollment among Medicare beneficiaries continues to decline. In 2021, only 47.3% of eligible Medicare decedents utilized hospice services. Although all racial and ethnic groups’ enrollment numbers are low compared to the opportunity for enrollment, the underrepresentation is most significant of non-White populations. The overall underutilization of hospice services calls for a reevaluation of the hospice dialogue. Our investigation adopted the principles of critical discourse analysis, as conceptualized by Fairclough in 1993 to answer the question: How do discourses of patients, caregivers, nurses, and medical directors reveal the social structures and power relationships that shape hospice enrollment? Using critical discourse analysis, we examined the role of language used to reveal hospice enrollment discourses. Using a multiple case study design, we recruited and segmented participants into four distinct case groups: patients, their primary family caregivers, the hospice registered nurses, and medical directors responsible for the initiation of hospice enrollment. We then incorporated critical discourse analysis as a secondary design by using Fairclough’s three-dimensional framework to analyze the structural, relational, and symbolic dimensions of discourse in the interview texts based on the case groups positional reference to the study’s question. Our aim was to reveal the power relationships and social structures to emphasize or minimize hospice enrollment decisions. This study’s findings revealed three dominant discourses: Decision Dynamics, Help, and Beliefs and Believe. The inferences drawn from this study emphasize the need for a patient-centric modality in hospice enrollment decisions that fully recognizes and engages with the interrelated connections of familial dynamics, societal norms, and personal sovereignty
Educational Content Related to Feeding Difficulties in Children with Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities
No full textThis project's aim was to create educational resources for parents and caregivers who have a child that is experiencing a feeding difficulty. Specifically, this project focused on children with Autism and other developmental disabilities. The goal of this project was to provide education in order to decrease stress at mealtimes. The student paired with Greater Heights Pediatric Therapy for mentorship and collaboration.Greater Heights Pediatric Therap
Investigating consumer preferences and sensory-relevant traits of lettuces under hydroponically and soil-grown
No full textThis research aimed to determine consumer acceptance of hydroponic lettuces and to evaluate physical and chemical attributes of hydroponic lettuce versus open field. Rex, Rouxai, and Bergam’s Green lettuce cultivars from four growing conditions (open field, common hydroponic, 30 °C nutrient solution hydroponic, and 20 °C nutrient solution hydroponic) were analyzed. Consumer acceptance was evaluated using consumer survey and sensory evaluations. Physicochemical attributes were determined by colorimetry, spectrophotometric pigment analyses, texture profile analysis, °Brix, pH, titratable acidity, spectrophotometric total polyphenols, and DPPH antioxidant assays. Non-instrumental analyses found consumers (n=1512) aware of hydroponics (53.21%) but unsure if they favored it (58.03%). They preferred hydroponic lettuces equally or more than open field lettuces (9-point hedonic scale, hydroponic=4.7-5.2, open field=4.9-5.3, n=100). Physical analyses revealed hydroponics generally produced significant increases in pigments (e.g. chlorophyll-a: hydroponic=87.91-133.47 mg/g, open field=83.91 mg/g, p<0.05). Chemical analyses determined hydroponics caused significant decreases in polyphenols and antioxidants (e.g. polyphenols: hydroponic=0.0032-0.0071 mg GAE/g FW, open field=0.0092 mg GAE/g FW, p<0.05)
Intergenerational processes of sexual agency and sexual satisfaction with parent-youth dyads, moderated by intersecting identities
No full textTo date, an insufficient amount of research takes a contemporary stance towards youth (operationalized as adolescence and early emerging adulthood) sexuality by viewing sexual exploration as a normative, ethical, and foundational imperative for developing satisfying and healthy sexual relationships in adulthood (Bay-Cheng, 2019; Halpern, 2023). Despite youth sexual development at the intersection of family and broader socio-cultural systems (Kaestle et al., 2021), familial and sociocultural influences on youth sexual agency and sexual satisfaction have been predominantly examined from single-axis viewpoints. Thus, there is a profound need for these constructs to be explored within a feminist-informed family systems framework. This study examined sexual agency, sexual satisfaction, and intersecting identities using a sample from the German Panel Analysis of Intimate Relationships and Family Dynamics (pairfam; Brüderl et al., 2022; Huinink et al., 2011). An actor-partner interdependence moderation model (Garcia et al., 2015; Kenny et al., 2006) and latent structural equation modeling (Klein & Moosbrugger, 2000; Maslowsky et al., 2014) was utilized to examine how the latent moderating variable of social class impacts the strength and direction of the relationship between sexual agency and sexual satisfaction within parent-youth dyads. Understanding the relationship between intersecting identities, intergenerational processes, sexual agency, and sexual satisfaction could inform specific interventions for parents and youth. Examining positive facets of sexual well-being (i.e., sexual agency and sexual satisfaction) may counterintuitively yield insight into preventative measures against sexual risk (Harden, 2014). Finally, clinical implications and future steps were considered
Fall Proof: The Implementation of a Virtual Fall Prevention Program for Adults 65 and Older
No full textFalls represent a significant health concern for older adults, with one in three individuals aged 65 and older experiencing at least one fall annually (Sherrington et al., 2017). To address this issue, a specialized virtual fall prevention program, "Skyfitprograms," was developed for the older adult population at Sky Fitness. Grounded in evidence-based practices and personalized strategies, the program aims to enhance balance, strength, home modifications, and overall fall prevention knowledge among older adults. Through educational videos covering various topics and in-person classes, older adults are empowered to manage fall risks and preserve their independence. The program fosters engagement and ongoing support within the community, aiming to reduce falls and improve overall well-being.Sky Fitnes
Empowering Unhoused Adults: A Trauma-Informed Life Skills Program at Our Daily Bread
No full textThis capstone project aims to empower unhoused individuals, specifically at Our Daily Bread emergency shelter, who have experienced trauma through the development and implementation of specialized life skills training, fostering self-sufficiency and lasting positive change.Our Daily Brea
Exploring the Impact of Physical Activity on Functional Independence and Quality of Life in People with Parkinson's
No full textThis doctoral capstone project aimed to investigate the possible effects of physical activity on functional independence and quality of life in people with Parkinson’s. A 4-week
study was conducted at Rock Steady Boxing – Dallas, assessing participants (n=14) pre- and post- using the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure and World Health Organization’s Quality of Life Questionnaire, Brief form. A one-way ANOVA was performed and found that there was no significant change in performance at p = 0.05 (F-statistic = 0, F critical value = 4.22, p = 1) or in satisfaction at p = 0.05 (F-statistic = 0.037, F critical value = 4.22, p = 0.84). Among the four domains of quality of life, as outlined in the WHOQOL-BREF, the average scores (out of a maximum of 100) among participants were as follows: 56.34 in Physical Health, 61.58 in Psychological Health, 67.83 in Social Relations, and 78.56 in Environment. While physical activity holds promise in enhancing the lives of people with Parkinson’s, further research is needed to fully understand its implications for functional independence and satisfaction, thereby informing more effective and holistic therapeutic approaches.Rock Steady Boxing - Dalla
Mental Health for People Experiencing Homelessness
No full textThis capstone project aimed to explore what factors affect the utilization of stress management techniques among homeless people and how they felt about such practices.Agape Resource & Assistance Cente
The effect of walnut butter product and nutrition education on weight and endothelial health in overweight adolescents
No full textThis study investigated the effects of walnut butter (WB) consumption and nutrition education
(NE) on body composition, specifically on fat to muscle mass ratio, and endothelial health, including endothelial health biomarkers vascular cellular adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1), intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1), and P-selectin in adolescents with overweight and obesity. Eighty adolescents, aged thirteen to seventeen, were recruited for this randomized-controlled, parallel, four visit study. Participants were randomized to consume 45 grams of WB for four months and receive nutrition education at baseline and midpoint visits or receive nutrition education only at baseline and midpoint visits. Dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) was used to measure body composition. EndoPAT was used to measure endothelial function, and a fasting blood draw was collected to assess endothelial health biomarkers. Differences within and between treatments were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U and
Wilcoxon signed ranked test. A subset of data was evaluated, as this study is still ongoing, which may have impacted results. There was no significant difference in fat to muscle mass ration between the two groups at the final visit (p = 0.342). There was no significant difference in visceral adipose tissue (VAT) mass (g), or VAT volume (cm³) between the control (NE) and treatment (NE+WB) group at final visit (p= 0.812). There was a noted difference in reactive hyperemia index (RHI) at baseline (p=.611) and final (p=.057) between the two groups, however, these changes were not statistically significant. Although inflammatory markers were reduced from baseline to final visit in each group, these differences were not
significant. The outcomes of this study did not show significant effects of a walnut butter treatment on increased muscle mass and reduced fat mass, endothelial function, or inflammatory markers
Parents United for Healthy Children: A Simultaneous Caregiver Education Program
No full textThis capstone project was completed by an occupational therapy student from Texas Woman’s University and took place at a public library in Lewisville, Texas. This study investigated the impact of a simultaneous approach comprising an educational caregiver program, a web-based platform for Hispanic caregivers of children diagnosed with autism, and a Spanish reading book club for their children. Through a mixed-methods design, the effects of this capstone project were assessed on caregiver self-efficacy and autonomy. The culturally relevant educational program, tailored to Hispanic caregivers of children with autism in their native language, equipped caregivers with knowledge and skills to effectively support their children, while the Spanish reading book club provided enriching learning experiences for the children. Quantitative data from pre- and post-program Caregiver Strain Questionnaires (CGSQ) were analyzed alongside qualitative insights from a focus group discussion. Results indicate significant improvements in caregiver self-efficacy and autonomy, underscoring the importance of caregiver advocacy and cultural sensitivity in fostering positive outcomes in childcare.Lewisville Public Librar