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MIRTH
No full textThis past year I embarked on a journey of research, drafting, editing, and formatting to write my debut novel. The purpose of my thesis is to show how the writing process can be broken up and how to create a book that is "publisher ready" without the assistance of a publisher. This project has prepared me to query my writing out to literary agents and begin my career as an author. Below is the jacket blurb: Bastian has always been a bit of a self-destructive loner, other than his friendship with the enormous, bat-winged, bioluminescent daemon in the sky. Some people call this daemon Abaddon, others call it the Dastard Supreme, Bastian just likes to call him Mirth though. In the distant future, Planet 3 finds itself at the whim of an all-powerful and unseen government called The One Power. The human population has a cure-all through the invention of Med-Patches, but no will to live,
as their gods have been confirmed dead by the daemon spreading his wings across the night sky. With a city plagued by radiation and fear, Bastian finds himself teaming up with his only (human) friend, Carmilla, to put an end to The One Power's totalitarian reign. A gloomy adventure with riotous clowns, gas masks, and liminal spaces with endless doors, help Bastian understand what it means to live
BRIDGING THE TELEHEALTH DIVIDE THROUGH EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION STRATEGIES
No full textThe purpose of this study is to add to existing literature on the topic of effective communication via telehealth. The research question is: How can communication be effectively used to limit the feeling of physical distance during telehealth visits for both patients and providers? The basic design of this study was to collect qualitative data using a semi-structured interview approach. The major findings of this study included four main themes, "communication adaptations for telehealth," "barriers to open communication," "facilitating communication and trust" and "technological and connectivity issues." Each of these themes explored how providers adjust their verbal and nonverbal communication to enhance the telehealth experience for themselves and their patients alike. Theme 1, communication adaptations for telehealth, highlighted the ways in which providers change their communication for telehealth. Theme 2, barriers to open communication, demonstrated that providers need to use direct and open communication while providing care via telehealth. Theme 3, facilitating communication and trust, showed the strategies providers used to build rapport and establish trust with their telehealth patients. Theme 4, technological and connectivity issues, illustrated the steps providers take to ensure the telehealth appointment is successful, despite technological challenges. Essentially, this study identified communication strategies providers used to foster effective and meaningful communication in an online modality
IMPROVING HEALTHCARE SERVICE DESIGN FOR UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS: A MODIFIED DESIGN THINKING APPROACH
No full textCollege students face heightened health risks yet underutilize available healthcare services. This study employs a modified design thinking methodology and a choice-based conjoint (CBC) analysis with the goal of providing actionable recommendations for healthcare service design for traditional undergraduate students. Through focus groups (n=9) and a quantitative survey (n=65), this research identified the three most influential factors on student healthcare decisions: cost, location, and hours/availability. Thematic analysis revealed five themes to healthcare utilization amongst traditionally aged undergraduate students: navigation challenges, scheduling conflicts, provider relationship preferences, digital integration needs, and financial considerations. Differences in preferences that emerged across segments defined by transportation access, health consciousness, and geographic origin are also discussed. The final recommendations include a two-tiered approach: universal improvements to primary attributes and targeted enhancements for specific student segments to support the transition to healthcare independence
NUTRITIONAL INTERVENTIONS IN CHRONIC WOUND HEALING: REVIEW OF CURRENT RESEARCH AND CLINICAL OBSERVATIONS
No full textThis thesis investigates the relationship between nutritional interventions and wound healing
outcomes by summarizing current literature and outlining an experiential learning experience in
a long-term care setting in Tucson, Arizona. Wound healing is a critical component of care in
long-term care facilities, where older adults are particularly prone to chronic wounds, including
pressure ulcers. A review of the different stages of wound healing and how nutritional status and
specific nutrients, such as protein, vitamins A, C, and D, as well as minerals such as zinc and
iron support each phase of wound healing. Drawing from peer-reviewed studies, clinical trials,
and clinical observations, it can be seen how deficiencies of certain nutrients can delay recovery,
whereas targeted nutrition strategies can boost recovery. This paper combines research findings
with real world observations and offers a clear and practical look at the importance of nutritional
therapy as a critical part of wound care. During this project, I worked closely with the nutrition
and medical teams at Devon Gables Rehabilitation Center, where I observed firsthand how
interdisciplinary care is applied. It also points out areas where more research is needed and
discusses opportunities for future studies to address gaps in knowledge and improve patient care
DEATH, AS A MEANS TO SURVIVE
No full textDeath, as a means to survive is a fictional story about the internal ramblings and preoccupations of people that are all interconnected in one way or another, whether that is because of their thoughts, their physical relation with each other, or just the fact that they are all humans. This is a story where the author challenged himself to explore the minds of troubled individuals and, by doing so, created a world full of either hopeless people, delusional people, or just people that believe in the transformative power of life. The author's motivation for this story was his endless quest to understand human emotions, as well as the desire to construct a narrative that comprises different points-of-view and different ways to understand the reasons we exist. The author has always been fascinated with approaching his fiction with a psychological and surrealist point-of-view, and thus, this story reflects his desires to do something for which not only he could connect to, but a bigger part of the audience could as well. Themes of the story include depression, anxiety, existentialism, romance, religion, psychological warfare, and the questions of mortality that plague every person head once in a while. This is a work that comes from the heart and soul of someone obsessed with humanity
BREAKING THE PAIN-OPIOID CYCLE: THE PROMISE OF SPINAL CORD STIMULATORS
No full textIntroduction: Chronic pain affects approximately 20% of U.S. adults, imposing an economic burden of billions of dollars annually. The use of opioids for pain management has contributed to a public health crisis, with over two million Americans diagnosed with opioid use disorder. Non-pharmacological options, like spinal cord stimulators (SCS), offer a promising management option. Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted using a variety of databases. Keywords included "chronic pain", "opioid use disorder", "pain management", and "spinal cord stimulation". Inclusion criteria focused on studies published in peer-reviewed journals discussing SCS efficacy in adults with non-cancer-related chronic pain. Results: Evidence implies SCS significantly reduces pain and opioid consumption in patients with chronic pain. It is most effective in those with neuropathic pain. Improvement in quality of life, functionality, and patient satisfaction were mentioned. Long-term outcomes require further research. Discussion: SCS is a promising solution to chronic pain and opioid dependency through the disruption of pain signaling and modulation of neural pathways. Challenges like high costs, invasive procedures, and variability of outcomes in patients need to be addressed. Conclusion: SCS is a favorable alternative to opioids for managing chronic pain. Further research is needed to optimize patient selection, refine techniques, and address accessibility to maximize the impact on the population
RECREATIONAL HEAT EXPOSURE TO YOUTH POPULATIONS IN TUCSON, ARIZONA
No full textThe exposure to extreme heat is both an environmental and a social issue. Youth populations are some of the most vulnerable to heat-related illness yet are often omitted in city plans and policies, further increasing their risk of exposure to the adverse impacts of extreme heat. A mixed-methodology approach using social mapping and plan evaluation was used to identify which areas within the greater Tucson area children are most vulnerable to extreme heat. The social mapping process identified a lack of services and areas where youth were particularly vulnerable to heat due to a lack of heat relief areas, like Flowing Wells and southeast Tucson. Evaluation of Tucson's 2024 Heat Action Roadmap demonstrates the city's clear mission to address heat resiliency equitably for vulnerable populations. Despite the inclusion of effective heat-specific strategies, very few were specific to youth populations
ACCUTANE, ACCESS, AND AHCCCS: A MEDICAID MAZE TO CLEARER SKIN
No full textAccess to isotretinoin, a highly effective treatment for severe acne, is shaped not only by clinical need but also by healthcare policy. This paper examines how Arizona's Medicaid system and health insurance exchange regulations affect access to isotretinoin, particularly for low-income and rural populations. Previous studies highlight the clinical effectiveness of isotretinoin but pay less attention to the policy barriers that prevent timely treatment. This research addresses that
gap by analyzing Medicaid policy documents, iPLEDGE requirements, and coverage tiers that delay or block access to care. Findings reveal that prior authorization, geographic disparities in provider access, and administrative burdens disproportionately impact underserved communities, often worsening both dermatological and psychological outcomes. By identifying these barriers,
this paper argues for targeted policy reforms that streamline access and reduce health inequalities, improving quality of life for affected individuals and promoting more equitable healthcare delivery in Arizona
THE DEVOUT DIVIDE: ANALYZING THE GENDER GAP IN RELIGIOUS BELIEF AND PRACTICE
No full textIn the field of religious studies, it is a near universally accepted fact that, on average, women are more religious than men. This acceptance is based on numerous studies and surveys that repeatedly reinforce this knowledge. Despite the general acceptance of this fact, there is no clear consensus on why women are more religious than men. Numerous potential factors have been explored to explain the gap, including differences in socialization, risk aversion preferences, and hormonal influences; however, no single factor stands out as a universally
significant element. This research adds to the conversation by exploring how the gender gap in religion is affected by the sociocultural factors of more significant concerns regarding personal safety and the need for community support in traditionally patriarchal societies. A survey was used to collect data from University of Arizona students regarding their views on religion, religious belief, and religious community. The results suggest the concept that personal safety concerns and a need for community support influence religiosity in women because women look
for and gain a unique sense of safety from religious belief and participation compared to their male peers. This study introduces a new aspect contributing to the religious gender gap that merits further examination
INITIAL PERCEPTIONS OF CLOTHING STYLES AND THE IMPACT OF SOCIAL MEDIA
No full textAs someone who has no set style of clothing, I wanted to explore if people thought differently or made assumptions about me when I wore one style of clothing vs. another. I also wanted to explore whether social media had a major impact on how people perceive certain clothing styles. So to do that, I conducted research through a survey and on TikTok using eight different styles of clothing, using clothing I already had in my own closet. The styles were determined through my background in fashion, and with the help of the internet. It took me 7+ hours of filming and hours of planning and editing the result. Because this thesis was so heavily based on videos and visuals, I determined that the best format to submit my thesis would be a video essay posted on YouTube. I made a script that served as my plan for my video essay. The video itself was a battle with CapCut Pro and is now viewable to the public. Please enjoy this topic, which I feel very passionately about and have spent countless hours and sleepless nights making it into something I am proud of and could show to potential employers