Athena Commons - Digital Repository of Mississippi University for Women
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HB 1557 Impact on Family Functions
No full textFamilies are often noted as the foundation of this country, so it is important to consider all families when implementing new policies. In 2022, the Parental Rights in Education bill (HB 1557) was approved in Florida. It was put into place with the intention of benefitting children and families, however, not every family was considered. Main points from HB 1557 include giving parents the right to know any information obtained on their children, the right of parents to have more control over decision making for their children, and the prohibition of discussions or teachings on sexuality and gender identity within school settings. The family impact lens was utilized to assess which family functions were impacted the most by this policy. Childrearing and economic support are family functions that are directly affected by HB 1557. For some parents, teaching about sexuality and gender identity is important for their children to learn; this policy gives them less control over their child’s education compared to other parents. Concerns of safety are also a matter for some parents. Solutions include homeschooling or moving out of state; however, this is not possible for families who do not have the economic standing to afford these changes. Two perspectives of the policy were found: those in agreement, and those in disagreement. Those who disagreed with the policy expressed concerns for the family functions mentioned. In the end, parents should not have to worry about their children’s safety or financial stress outcomes from HB 1557
Difference or Disorder? Misidentification of Speech and Language Disorders in Mississippi’s Public Schools
Full text linkStudents who are misdiagnosed with speech and language disorders often miss out on necessary class time and can fall behind their peers. In order to decrease the prevalence of misdiagnoses due to dialectal and linguistic differences, we must first understand how SLPs currently differentiate between typical and disordered speech. In this study, information will be gathered on the current abilities of Mississippi public school SLPs to identify the difference between a speaker that is linguistically diverse and a speaker with disordered speech or language. SLPs will listen to AI generated speech samples–some disordered, some typical, but with non-mainstream dialects–and be asked to rate the speech on a scale of typical to disordered. The findings of this study will indicate the current strengths and weaknesses of public school SLPs in the identification of disorders in linguistically diverse students, allowing a greater understanding of possible educational needs and, in turn, less linguistically diverse students being misidentified as having a disorder
Closing Remarks and Award Announcements
No full textClosing remarks and award announcements for the 2025 UR
Providers\u27 Perceptions on Early Alzheimer’s Screening in Patients with Metabolic Syndrome
Full text linkThe healthcare system currently lacks a standardized approach for screening and identifying potential links between hormonal fluctuations and Alzheimer’s in younger populations. This gap in guidelines leads to a primarily reactive rather than proactive stance, as screenings like the AD8 tool are often only considered in response to advanced symptoms or at older ages (Tolea & Galvin, 2013). The progression of early Alzheimer\u27s disease is generally considered irreversible. This is due to the neurodegenerative nature of the condition, where damage to brain cells, particularly in areas related to memory and cognition, is progressive and cannot be undone. According to the Alzheimer\u27s Association, once Alzheimer\u27s disease begins, it leads to gradual and irreversible cognitive decline. The exact progression varies by individual, but the damage to neurons worsens over time, leading to significant memory loss, confusion, and changes in behavior (Alzheimer\u27s Association, 2023). According to Tolea & Galvin, (2013), this disease is often later diagnosed and expected to manifest in people ages 65 and older at a rate of one out of every fifth person age 65 and older. “People with MCI are high risk for developing dementia within 3 years,” (Tolea & Galvin, 2013). The opportunity lies in implementing earlier screening as part of routine care for at-risk individuals, aiming to detect the disease before it progresses. This research aims to identify the current beliefs and practices of healthcare providers’ (HCPs) in Mississippi regarding proactively screening for cognitive decline in younger individuals with metabolic syndrome (MetS) by promoting a more proactive approach. A secondary purpose of this project is to indirectly raise awareness of this association in order to promote a more proactive approach by HCPs to facilitate earlier detection of cognitive decline. Identifying these aspects may improve quality of life and potentially reduce mortality associated with the progression of cognitive decline to Alzheimer’s. For this quantitative research design, the researchers implemented a questionnaire that focused on providers\u27 thoughts and perception of this targeted younger population that present with mild vague symptoms and related to unrecognized cognitive decline leading to a delayed diagnosis, which inhibits potential early intervention. The questionnaire includes barriers to early screening including thoughts on lack of clinical practice guidelines. The study was conducted with a QR code distributed via email and social media to primary care providers throughout Mississippi. After the data was collected, it was sent to a professional statistician using a using a SPSS27 test analysis where the results found that among 54 providers, 44.4% believe there is a correlation between the two conditions, while 3.7% reported no correlation and 25.9% were uncertain. Additionally, 31.5% of respondents indicated that they believe metabolic syndrome increases the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Despite these perceptions, significant barriers to early cognitive screening were identified, including time constraints, limited awareness, and insufficient training. Notably, 37% of providers do not routinely screen patients under age 65 for cognitive decline, and only 7.4% reported actively conducting early screenings for this age group. These findings highlight the need for targeted provider education, streamlined cognitive screening protocols, and improved clinical guidelines and insurance coverage for patients aged 40–64 with MetS. Addressing these gaps may support earlier detection of cognitive decline and improve long-term outcomes for at-risk populations
Does Awareness of Behavioral Challenges Impact the Preparedness of Recent SLP Graduate Students for Their Professional Practice?
No full textThis research aims to explore how awareness of behavioral challenges, such as aggression, defiance, and hyperactivity, affects the preparedness of recent Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) graduates. With over 84% of children receiving SLP services also facing emotional or behavioral difficulties, it is crucial to examine whether new SLPs feel prepared to manage these challenges. The study seeks to assess whether increased awareness of behavioral issues correlates with greater confidence and readiness in addressing them during the first year of clinical practice. The study will involve administering a survey to first-year Speech-Language Pathologists. The survey will focus on their preparedness and their confidence in handling behavioral challenges encountered in clinical settings. This method will help gauge the relationship between awareness and preparedness among new professionals in the field. The findings aim to highlight the importance of having behavioral management training in SLP education. By identifying gaps in current training and linking awareness to preparedness, the research intends to inform educational practices and improve the support given to future SLP. This research will aid in determining recent graduate SLP students’ exposure to behavioral challenges and strategies to effectively manage such behaviors. Ultimately, the study seeks to encourage changes to better equip students with the necessary skills to manage behavioral challenges in their clinical practice, enhancing their overall effectiveness as clinicians
Navigating the Double Jeopardy: The Intersectional Experiences Affecting Black Menopausal Women in the Workplace
No full textNearly half of the population of the United States will experience menopause at some point in their life. The topic of menopause is often silenced, especially in professional corporate settings. Particularly for Black women, who are already marginalized, research has shown that menopause symptoms are more severe and last longer than white women. This thesis explores the intersectional experiences of Black women in America as they navigate menopause in the workplace, a topic that has remained largely overlooked due to the lack of workplace diversity, health discourse, and disparity. The following research study employs a mixed-methods approach, incorporating surveys and focus groups to gather qualitative and quantitative data from Black or African American women across different menopause stages: Perimenopause (40+ years), Menopause (45-54 years), and Postmenopause (55 years and older). Participants, all self-identified professionals employed in various industries, provided insights into the unique challenges they face due to the compounded effects of racial and gendered biases alongside the physiological and psychological impacts of menopause
Emma Ody Pohl: The Untold Story of “Miss MSCW” and Her Influence on Southern White Women
No full textI conducted an in-depth research project on Emma Ody Pohl, the Director of Physical Education at Mississippi University for Women from 1908 to 1955. I wanted to highlight Pohl\u27s significance on her students and the college. I used the records, letters, and documents in the Pohl Papers at the Beulah Culbertson Archives and Special Collections to analyze Pohl\u27s importance and create a biography of her time at the college. I also conducted further research into the idea of Southern White Womanhood throughout the twentieth century. Through this information, it is evident that the life and teaching of Emma Ody Pohl demonstrate how faculty and students at southern white women\u27s colleges and universities challenged white women and provided them a place to reconsider what they thought they knew about themselves. Pohl used her talent of teaching and passion for dance to orchestrate a sisterhood among the white women of the college and the community, to change and influence the school’s curriculum and history, contribute many lasting memories and traditions for the entire college, and empower her students to expand their past ideas of what they believed women could physically do
Improving Social Determinants of Health Screening Rates Among Healthcare Providers
Full text linkSocial Determinants of Health (SDOH) are non-medical factors that influence a patient\u27s health outcomes. The WHO Commission on Social Determinants of Health has stated that improving SDOH is one of the most effective means of enhancing the well-being of all individuals and reducing disparities (Chelak et al., 2023). Implementing increased screening measures to identify deficits can positively impact patient outcomes by providing crucial resources that address patients\u27 needs. This approach can significantly enhance the quality of healthcare services (Wark et al., 2021). The purpose of this Doctor of Nursing Practice quality improvement project was to evaluate self-reported screening rates for SDOH among healthcare providers and if they made appropriate referrals from deficits found in screenings. Enhancing screenings for SDOH and enabling providers to refer patients to community resources when deficits are identified can lead to better overall health outcomes and increased compliance with care plans. A review of over one hundred peer-reviewed articles provided strong evidence that screening patients for SDOH, identifying deficits, and referring patients to resources to address those deficits can improve overall health outcomes. Participating providers completed a pre-survey before the educational sessions on SDOH screening and referral services for identified deficits. In the pre-survey, they were asked if they routinely screened for SDOH and whether they provided referrals for deficits identified. Three months after the educational sessions, the providers were sent a post-survey with the same questions regarding screening and referrals for identified deficits. A total of 14 providers completed the pre-test, and 10 providers completed the post-test. A Chi-square analysis was conducted on each question, comparing the frequencies in the pre-test to those in the post-test. Although there were no statistically significant differences in the frequencies between the pre-and post-tests for any of the questions (all p-values were greater than 0.05), practical differences emerged between the two surveys. This project supports the need for continued education on increasing screenings for SDOH at patient visits and making appropriate referrals for identified deficits found in screenings
Primary Care Providers’Adherence to 2022 AHA/ACC/HF-REFSA Guideline Directed Management Therapy for Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction Patients
Full text linkHeart failure not only affects the heart but also many other systems within the human body. There are approximately 6.5 million people diagnosed with heart failure with a reduced ejection fraction each year. Of these 6.5 million, roughly thirty percent will have readmission to the hospital or die within one year of diagnosis (Mathews et al., 2022). While the only cure for heart failure is a heart transplant, it is best practice to manage the disease and further prevent the progression and complications associated with heart failure. The researchers conducted a systematic literature review to evaluate primary care adherence to the 2022 guideline-directed management therapy for patients with heart failure and a reduced ejection fraction. The literature reviewed suggests that multiple factors contribute to primary care providers\u27 adherence to guidelines. These factors include but are not limited to, a lack of time during clinical visits, limited laboratory use, inadequate knowledge, and the inability of patients to adhere to frequent lab draws. To effectively treat and educate patients with heart failure and a reduced ejection fraction, providers must remain current on the latest and most accurate guidelines available, based on the most current research, and implement those guidelines. Providers must also be knowledgeable of the contraindications proposed by the medications used within the 2022 guidelines. Some of these contraindications are but are not limited to, increased serum creatinine levels and decreased estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) with sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors. Beta Blockers (BBs) are contraindicated for patients with bradycardia. Sacubitril-valsartan is contraindicated in patients with a history of angioedema. This study aimed to evaluate the adherence of primary care providers to the 2022 guideline-directed management therapy for heart failure patients with a reduced ejection fraction within the state of Mississippi. Data was collected by a convenience questionnaire (n=) from primary care providers within the state of Mississippi. The questionnaire covered the demographics of the providers, their knowledge of the guidelines, whether they followed them, and any barriers preventing them from following the guidelines. The questionnaire was placed on social media or emailed to providers to complete at their convenience. Participation in this study was voluntary. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data. The information gathered provided researchers with facts, including the demographics of providers, their knowledge and use of the guidelines, and the barriers preventing their use. Using the Nola Penders Health Promotion Model, the researchers enhanced their understanding of promoting well-being, encouraging patients to be active in their health, and avoiding preventable diseases with the guidance of nurses and care providers. Managing heart failure with a reduced ejection fraction from a multisystemic approach is crucial for preventing complications that affect multiple body systems