Garden-Based Nutrition Education May Lead to Increased Dietary Knowledge in Low Income Hispanic School Children

Background: Childhood obesity is a pressing public health concern in the United States, with rates continuing to increase in recent years. This problem disproportionately affects Latino children as well as those from low socioeconomic status. It is well established that nutrition knowledge deficiencies and resulting poor dietary habits are some of the most common contributing factors to childhood obesity. Garden-based nutrition education programs have been introduced to remedy this knowledge deficit; however, a gap remains regarding whether this model can be viable for low-income, culturally diverse populations. Aim: This literature review investigates the importance of diet in reducing childhood obesity while exploring the effects of gardening-based nutrition education on dietary choice improvements. This literature review presents gardening-based nutrition education models as an effective and sustainable method of obesity reduction by establishing a connection between improved dietary knowledge and dietary choices, thus leading to a lower incidence of obesity. Method: A quasi-experimental design with a convenience sample of 200 subjects split into an interventional and a control group. The interventional group will receive an 11-week-long nutrition education program to accompany the children\u27s regular school hours. Participants will be between the ages of 7 and 10, consistent with the ages of third to fifth grade elementary school children. Both groups will take a pre- and post-test using the Healthy Eating Index (HEI) Survey, where results will be further plotted along a radar plot to examine each scoring component of the HEI. Result: The expectation is that the interventional group will see improvements to the HEI scores in each category compared to the control group, except for a decrease in the added sugars category

Interracial friendships and symptoms of depression and anxiety among college-age Filipino Americans

Background: There is little research on interracial friendships and Filipino American mental health. A previous study found that Filipino Americans are more likely to be depressed and anxious when having 3 or more non-Filipino close friends, and that friendship discord mediated this relationship. Studies that look at Filipino American mental health have also found that there is a relationship between colonial mentality and depression. In this study, we further examine the relationship between depression and anxiety and interracial friendships. We also examine the relationship between colonial mentality and friendship discord. Methods: This study’s sample is taken in the San Francisco Bay Area and recruited 298 Filipino American participants between the ages of 18-25. Each participant took a survey that asked questions about demographics, health behaviors, depression and anxiety, number of close non-Filipino friends, friendship discord with the non-Filipino close friends, ethnic value, discrimination, and colonial mentality. Results: Those who had more than 3 non-Filipino close friends were not statistically significant (p=0.081) with depression and anxiety. Filipino Americans who had friendship discord, low ethnic value, everyday discrimination, and colonial mentality were more likely to report having symptoms of depression and anxiety. Those who had friendship discord and low ethnic value were more likely to report having colonial mentality. Discussion: Results show that further research must be done to better understand the relationship between Filipino American depression and interracial friendships and friendship discord. This study has shown that colonial mentality affects Filipino American mental health and that implementing decolonization interventions is needed to see improvement in healing the depression and anxiety from colonial mentality

How Financial Status Affects Food Decisions in Households of Marin City

Food insecurity is a multifaceted issue influenced by various factors, including socioeconomic status and access to nutritious foods. Research has shown that low-income households often face challenges in accessing healthy food options due to financial constraints. Cultural and psychological factors also play significant roles in shaping food choices among low-income populations. Additionally, the availability and affordability of healthy foods within local food environments significantly impact dietary behaviors. Economic factors such as income levels and household expenses further compound the challenges of food insecurity. Studies on food spending decisions among low-income demographics revealed that financial constraints often force families to prioritize cheaper, less nutritious food options over healthier alternative.https://scholar.dominican.edu/global-public-health-student-research-posters/1001/thumbnail.jp

Challenging Norms, Creating Art: An Anti-Ableist Lens on Visual Arts Education

This research explored the active role of disabled artists in their own descriptions of meaning making through their artistic process, utilizing phenomenological research to examine the lived experiences of intellectually or developmentally disabled and neurodiverse adult artists in the Bay Area. The literary study element of the research strove to understand and employ anti-ableism and constructivism as framing lenses, while also reviewing literature on issues such as access barriers, traditional quality standards in arts education, and the de-emphasis of art within curriculum funding priorities, indicating a need for continued reform toward promoting inclusive and process-oriented art education. With a focus on ensuring informed consent, confidentiality, and validity in data analysis to fill a gap in qualitative research and advocate for the importance of art for special populations, this qualitative study explored how visual artists with disabilities make and articulate their creative processes and final products, revealing four basic themes—Material Choices and Use, Methods, Inspirations, and Identity—derived from participants\u27 own words, showcasing their diverse approaches to art media, design, inspiration sources, and experiences with disability. This research ultimately illustrated their methodical, creative, intentional approach to leaving their mark on the world despite societal expectations. Undertaking this project allowed me to merge my interests in art, education, and disability justice, fostering personal academic growth while amplifying the voices of participating artists in academic literature to advocate for social justice policies and equity. My hope is to inspire empathy and sensitivity towards the experiences of people with disabilities within society

Mental Health Stigma and Help-Seeking Behaviors Among Eastern Asian/Eastern Asian American College Students and Their Parents: A Mix-Method and Art Therapy Intervention Study

This mixed-methods study examines perceptions of mental health within the Eastern Asian/Eastern Asian American community through quantitative analysis of the Asian American Value Scale (AAVS) and qualitative examination of Tree of Life artwork, alongside responses from a Mental Health Help-Seeking Interview Guide. Ten Chinese participants, comprising five students and five parents, participated, with varying generational statuses and educational backgrounds. Quantitative findings reveal significant differences in AAVS scores based on generational status and education level, with first/second-generation respondents scoring higher on family recognition through achievement and university-educated respondents scoring higher on conformity to norms. Qualitative analysis identifies common themes of rarity in mental health discussions, differences in attitudes between generations, and the influence of cultural factors on stigma and access to mental health services. Notably, there is a perpetuation of mental health stigma across generations, with parents passing down negative attitudes toward discussing mental health. Recommendations for improved communication include using media, educational seminars, real-life examples, and open discussions to address mental health issues within families

Male Caregiver Strain: The Mental Effects of Being an Informal Caregiver for a Family Member with Dementia and Alzheimer\u27s Disease

Background: Caregivers are vital in fulfilling patients\u27 primary care needs, and families prefer them over sending their loved ones to skilled nursing facilities (SNFs). Alzheimer\u27s Disease and Dementia are prevalent conditions necessitating continuous assistance due to memory and cognition impairments. As a result, support is essential for tasks like mobility, feeding, bathing, and perineal care, as well as emotional and physical challenges inherent in caregiving. Purpose: Upon diving into the mental health impacts of serving as an informal caregiver for individuals with Alzheimer\u27s Disease and Dementia, a notable research gap becomes evident, especially concerning male caregivers. This lack of information may stem from a potential reluctance among male caregivers to openly share their experiences and emotions due to fears of societal judgment. Additionally, they might avoid seeking support, feeling obligated by a sense of duty and loyalty to care for their loved ones unconditionally. This thesis proposal intends to shed light on the physical and mental well-being of male caregivers in their roles as informal caregivers for individuals with Dementia and Alzheimer\u27s Disease. The thesis will examine differences in caregiving responsibilities, the impact on health, experiences of burnout and strain, and the coping strategies used by male caregivers compared to their female counterparts. Method: The assessment will comprise 10 multiple-choice questions and three written response questions focusing on caregivers\u27 responsibilities and the perceived impact of these duties on their lives. Results: Data collection for this qualitative study is pending; however, the survey anticipates illuminating the experiences of the male caregivers interviewed.https://scholar.dominican.edu/nursing-student-research-posters/1083/thumbnail.jp

Optimizing Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia Prevention and Education: In Adult ICU Settings

Abstract Background: Ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP) in adult intensive care patient units (ICU) is one of the most common and deadly nosocomial infections today. Studies have identified a gap in intensive care nurse ventilator education and compliance with hospital protocols. Overall increasing the rates of VAP and morbidity. Hospitals worldwide have shown a decrease in VAP rates after inheriting VAP-bundles\u27\u27. This includes nurse specific interventions and assessments as a preventative measure. However, studies failed to demonstrate which bundle interventions directly correspond to the prevention of VAP. Purpose: Address all components of education, a nurse’s ability to properly identify and understand the pathology of VAP, protocol compliance, to reducing VAP rates and identifying weak points in current hospital practices. Method: An observational longitudinal intervention study will be conducted in an adult ICU setting. The initial phase utilizes an uncontrolled group, setting a baseline. Followed by the subsequent phase, where participants become a controlled group, after the introduction of ventilator bundles. The data will be collected using, in person observation of nurse adherence and skill competency, along with providing educational classes on a bi-weekly basis. Concluding with a monthly questionnaire, that compares and reevaluates nurses\u27 knowledge of preventative measures and treatment for VAP patients. Results: Preliminary findings suggest when conducting a continuous education program and implementing a “Ventilator Bundle” approach, VAP rates drastically drop. Conclusion: Each bundle included five main interventions (elevation of HOB 35°-45°, daily “sedation vacation & assessment of readiness to extubate, PUD prophylaxis DVT prophylaxis, and daily oral care with chlorhexidine). All interventions are pulled from the IHI bundle, indicating potential for making this the gold standard protocol. Overall proper adherence by all team members and ventilator education should be required by all ICUs.https://scholar.dominican.edu/nursing-student-research-posters/1092/thumbnail.jp

Reducing Emergency Department Visits Among Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

In the realm of pediatric healthcare, children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) face unique challenges alongside their caregivers. Caregivers face challenges in accessing appropriate support and resources to effectively address the needs of children with ASD. Children with ASD struggle with sensory sensitivities, impaired safety awareness, and difficulties perceiving potential dangers which put them at greater risk for injuries. As a result, children with autism have higher rates of emergency department visits compared to their neurotypical peers. This research aims to assess the effectiveness of nurse-led home injury prevention and education in reducing emergency department visits for children with ASD. This research proposal will use a true quantitative experimental design with a convenient sample of 100 children who have been diagnosed ASD and have had an emergency department visit within the previous year. The intervention and control groups\u27 means will be compared using descriptive statistics. The anticipated outcome will be that nurse-led home injury prevention and education during follow-up visits will significantly reduce rates of emergency department visits in children with ASD by enhancing caregiver knowledge, promoting the implementation of tailored safety measures, and fostering a safer home environment.https://scholar.dominican.edu/nursing-student-research-posters/1088/thumbnail.jp

1963 Students Featured in Alemany Library Language Lab

Section of 1963 Alumnae News publication showing students in the Language Lab featured in the Archbishop Alemany Library.https://scholar.dominican.edu/evolution-of-the-archbishop-alemany-library/1030/thumbnail.jp

Advancing Translational Research in Neurodevelopmental Disorders using a Human Neuronal Xenograft (HuNeuX) Model

Many genetic epilepsies and neurodevelopmental disorders such as Dravet Syndrome are caused by haploinsufficiency of genes involved in synaptic transmission. Oligonucleotides show promise to target these genes and upregulate protein expression; however, these therapeutics can be difficult to translate preclinically as many synaptic genes show low sequence homology between rodents and humans. Thus, we generated an in-house human neuronal xenograft (HuNeuX) mouse model by transplanting human neurons into the mouse host via intraparenchymal brain injection. We evaluated different factors that would make the host environment permissive for transplant survival, including the degree of host immune deficiency required and optimal host age. Finally, to demonstrate the functionality of the model, we dosed HuNeuX mice with an antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) known to increase SCN1A expression, the gene that is haploinsufficient in Dravet syndrome. If ASO20N increased gene expression in transplanted human neuron population within the murine brain, this would confirm the utility of the model. This work proposes the HuNeuX model as a useful tool to assess human-neuronal specific genetic target engagement in vivo across central nervous system (CNS) indications