Research is a cornerstone of education at Dominican University of California. Posters in this collection showcase student research presented at conferences.
Browse our research posters by department
Barowsky School of Business | Education | Global Public Health | Natural Sciences and Mathematics | Nursing | Occupational Therapy | Physician Assistant Studies | Psychology
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The Health Impact of Clinical Training on Nursing Students in Cambodia
Kimberly Aguilar Mondragon and Felicia Kim Yee
Background: Clinical training presents significant challenges for nursing students worldwide, particularly evident in developing countries like Cambodia, where these difficulties are intensified by a lack of training, resources, and health issues like stress and fatigue. Many students struggle without adequate guidance, forcing them to navigate complex clinical environments independently. These factors not only impact students’ confidence and academic performance, but also their health and well-being. Through this study, we can gain insight into nursing in a developing country that hasn’t been widely studied, contributing to global nursing research. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to explore the health impact of clinical training on nursing students in Cambodia. Method: A qualitative exploratory descriptive approach will be used. Research will be conducted among 10 nursing students who are either in their final clinical rotations or have just completed them in a Cambodian Hospital. They will participate in semi-structured interviews that will last 45 to 60 minutes. A bilingual translator, proficient in both Khmer and English, will conduct the interview, record, and transcribe the data collected from the interview with the researcher who has some knowledge of Khmer present. The interviews will focus on the challenges faced during clinical experiences and their effects on the students’ health. Data Collection & Analysis: Participant responses will be recorded and translated to identify all the emerging patterns and themes using content analysis. Conclusion: We anticipate that the students have faced challenges that not only hinder academic performance, but also have significant implications for students’ physical and mental health due to stresses of the clinical environment and lack of support by the nurses and nursing preceptors. By understanding these issues, educators and policymakers can implement interventions to better support nursing students, ultimately improving the quality of patient care.
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The Psychological Impact of Denied Blood Transfusions by Jehovah's Witness Parents in Pediatric Patients
Jaelyn Capablanca Braganza
Jehovah's Witnesses believe that it is against God's will to receive blood from someone else, or to tamper with their own blood, influencing them to deny blood transfusions for themselves and for their children. Since minors are legally not allowed to make healthcare decisions on their own until they reach 18 years of age, this decision made by the parents to deny transfusions on the pediatric patient's behalf may create significant emotional and psychological challenges, potentially influencing family dynamics, mental health, and overall well-being. Understanding these effects, especially for the pediatric patient, is crucial for healthcare providers, social workers, and support organizations in providing holistic care to families navigating such medical and religious conflicts since there is limited research on this issue.
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Nursing Knowledge Regarding Pap smears for Transgender Men
Caytlin Capulong
Cervical cancer screening (CCS) is a crucial test used for preventative measures against cervical cancer, yet transgender men (TM) experience significantly lower screening rates in comparison to cisgender women due to pain, anxiety, and systemic healthcare barriers. A major factor for deterrence is pain during speculum insertion, often because of vaginal atrophy related to testosterone usage. Other factors include fear of discrimination, mistreatment, and lack of provider awareness, particularly among nurses who play a pivotal role in patient preparation and care. This research aims to assess the extent of nurses’ knowledge regarding Pap smears for female-to-male (FTM) patients through a quantitative descriptive survey. A Likert scale-based questionnaire will evaluate the knowledge of 100 nurses in California, identifying potential areas of knowledge deficits in understanding CCS for TM. The anticipated findings will highlight any potential gaps in knowledge, which could inform future educational interventions such as workshops or simulations.
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Effectiveness of Nonpharmacological Pain Management Techniques Provided by Doulas for Laboring Mothers
Natalya L. Carnero Deering
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The Effects of Medical Misinformation about Vaccines on Parents of Pediatric Patients
Mya Izabela B. Emelia
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Awareness of the Physiological Changes Occurring in Older Adults Can Reduce Dehydration and Electrolyte Imbalances
Lisa Isley
Background: Individuals over 65 years are at an increased risk of dehydration. The physiological changes that occur with age and medication consumption can cause fluid and electrolyte imbalances that can physically and mentally impair individuals over 65 years old. Objective: By providing education to individuals 65 years and older regarding the significance of drinking water and consuming electrolytes daily, older adults can reduce their dehydration symptoms and improve their quality of life. Method: The proposed research is a quasi-experimental study geared towards individuals 65 years and older. The quasi-experimental study will include two pre-surveys and then two post-surveys. The survey tool implemented will be a standardized quality of life survey. The survey tool will measure the reported changes in the participants’ quality of life before and after the participants receive education. Results: The study has yet to be conducted and the data has yet to be collected. The anticipated results will be that the participants will demonstrate improved quality of life after receiving the education. Conclusion: The older adults who received the education will be able to identify the signs and symptoms of dehydration and understand how to improve their hydration status. The educational modules will help increase the participants' awareness and reduce the symptoms of dehydration. The education will improve the older adults’ overall health and quality of life.
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The Psychosocial Effects of Chemotherapy on the Adolescent Population: Implementing Community Building Programs
Kareena Jakhu and Princess Kyra R. Anicete
Background: During the adolescent stage (13-18), individuals go through role confusion and seek much of their validation from their fellow peers. Forming a strong sense of community is crucial in this stage of development as it helps with creating a foundation for who they want to become. Chemotherapy strips this aspect of socialization due to its ability to suppress the immune system. When socialization is taken away, adolescents face loneliness, which greatly impacts their development. Purpose: The purpose of this research is to look into the adolescent population undergoing chemotherapy and help them aid the lack of socialization caused by chemotherapy. Methods: The adolescents will participate in surveys and questionnaires to help reflect the effectiveness of the community programs created to minimize isolation. The surveys will be easily accessible with the use of their smartphone, allowing them to reflect on their experience and provide feedback to the nurses. Data Collection and Analysis: This research has not been initiated yet, however the anticipated results are improved mental health outcomes within the adolescents, allowing for enhanced socialization with their peers during their treatment journey. Conclusion: Screening for feelings of loneliness is relevant to nursing to help improve individualized care with pediatric cancer patients, especially during this crucial time. This proposal will help with educating nurses on the psychosocial effects of chemotherapy in the adolescent population.
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Recognizing the Risk: Enhancing Nurse Preparedness for Postpartum Hemorrhage Through Simulation-Based Education
Ishpreet Kaur
Background: Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is a serious, often unexpected complication after childbirth involving excessive bleeding. It is a leading cause of maternal death and can happen quickly, even in healthy pregnancies. Risk factors may increase the chances of PPH, but it can also occur without warning. Nurses play a key role in recognizing early signs and taking quick action. However, delays still happen due to inconsistent training, unclear protocols, and lack of preparedness. Strengthening nurse education and improving emergency response systems are essential to improve care and achieve better outcomes for mothers. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the impact of simulation-based training combined with a best practice screening tool on nurses’ ability to recognize and manage PPH effectively. Method: A Randomized Control Trial, pre- and post-test design will be used with 100 maternity nurses from four hospitals in Northern California. Participants will be randomly assigned to a control group or an intervention group that receives additional education and simulation training. Knowledge and response performance will be assessed before and after the intervention using validated tools. Results: The intervention group is anticipated to show better knowledge, faster responses, and improved protocol use, with results likely to be significant (p ≤ 0.05). Conclusion: Enhancing nurse training through simulation and structured screening tools may improve early recognition and management of PPH, contributing to better maternal outcomes and safer clinical practice.
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The Impact of Sleep Deprivation on Maternal Decision-Making and Risk-Taking Behavior
Stephanie Marea B. Martinez
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The Role of Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners: Addressing the Shortage and Its Implications for Healthcare
Isabel Mary McCarthy
The increasing prevalence of sexual assault cases has highlighted the crucial need for trained healthcare professionals who can effectively provide sensitive care for survivors. Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE) are registered nurses specifically trained to perform forensic examinations and provide medical and emotional support to sexual assault victims. However, many nursing programs lack formal education on SANE practices, which can hinder students' preparedness to address such cases in their future careers. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a specialized Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) training module integrated into an undergraduate nursing curriculum at Dominican University of California. By using a mixed-methods, three-phase approach, this study will assess the impact of the SANE learning module on nursing students' knowledge and preparedness to handle sexual assault cases. The study seeks to provide evidence for the integration of SANE education into nursing curricula, enhancing students' ability to deliver compassionate and effective care to sexual assault survivors.
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Exploring the Mental Impact of End-of-Life Care Exposure on Neonatal Nurses: Perspectives and Insights
Kaith Monterroso
Purpose: This research investigates education interventions aimed to improve neonatal nurses’ knowledge in End-of-Life Care (EoLC), with a goal in improving their mental health using coping strategies. This study seeks to, in the end, deliver effective sensitive and comprehensive care during EoLC. Improved education in this area is expected to enhance higher quality of care while fostering better mental health outcomes for nurses themselves. Methods: The proposed research utilizes a pre- and post-test design to evaluate the effectiveness of education and training in nurses who have a minimum of 3 to 4 years of experience in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Training workshops will be completed every two months within the unit, or as needed, focusing on 100 neonatal nurses, men and women, who are working in a Level III to Level IV. The focus is on high-acuity NICUs that are greatly impacted by communities of low-socio economics within California. Data: Anticipated results of performed Quasi-Experimental Design, include pre- and post-tests that are expected to demonstrate statistical improvements in educational interventions, aimed at enhancing nurses’ knowledge. The expectation of training and workshops interventions reduces shortage of education. A p-value < 0.05 will show a significant positive post-test, to highlight nurses’ effective understanding because of interventions. Conclusions: Lack of knowledge about EoLC greatly impacts the mental well-being of neonatal nurses, thus resulting in inadequate quality care. Implementing education within the unit leads to statistically significant effects on neonatal nurses, highlighting the value of efficient and thoughtful training and workshops.
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Improving Adherence in Adolescent Kidney Transplant Recipients
Kaylen Munoz
Background: Adolescent and young adult (AYA) kidney transplant recipients face unique challenges in maintaining long-term graft function and overall health. Nonadherence to immunosuppressive therapy and difficulties transitioning from pediatric to adult care contribute to the increased risk of graft failure in this population. Despite proposed tools identifying adherence barriers, there is a lack of implementation and targeted interventions addressing the barriers AYA transplant recipients face. Purpose: This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a structured transition program that utilizes an adherence barrier tool and adherence-promoting interventions in improving health outcomes for adolescent and young adult (AYA) kidney transplant recipients. Method: A quasi-experimental, longitudinal cohort study will assess the impact of multifaceted interventions, including education, peer support, and transition planning. Outcome measures will include medication adherence rates, healthcare utilization, and graft survival rates over a five-year period. Data analysis will involve statistical comparisons of baseline and post-intervention adherence, with inferential statistics used to determine significance. Results: It is anticipated that identifying barriers in a structured transitional support program with adherence interventions will lead to improved self-management, increased adherence, sustained function, and better long-term outcomes.
Conclusion: AYA kidney transplant recipients require targeted support and interventions to navigate the challenges of post-transplant care and the transition into adult healthcare settings. There is a need for a standardized transitional program.
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Developing a Culturally Sensitive Nursing Framework for Muslim Patients Practicing Ramadan: Focusing on Fasting Benefits and Islamic Dietary Recommendations
Amreen Mahmood Munshi
Background: Muslims practice Ramadan, a month-long period of fasting from dawn to dusk, yet many healthcare providers lack knowledge of its principles and practices. Hospitals lack formal education on caring for fasting Muslim patients, leading to a knowledge deficit in cultural competence and sensitivity of Islamic practices. Purpose: This paper proposes a research design for a nurse education program on Ramadan fasting to promote cultural competence and sensitivity in nursing care. The proposed research aims to educate nurses on Islamic practices, particularly Ramadan, to bridge the cultural competency gap. The literature review also explores the health benefits of fasting and Islamic dietary guidelines. Method: A quantitative quasi-experimental pre-test and post-test survey design will be used, with approximately 50-75 licensed registered nurses. Participants must be actively employed with a minimum of one year of work experience in various specialty areas related to direct and indirect patient care. They will be randomly selected from hospitals within a large healthcare network in the Bay Area. A confidential electronic survey will determine their demographics and understanding regarding Ramadan fasting and Islamic dietary guidelines using a Likert scale. Results: The collected data will be used to gauge competence levels before and after the education intervention. The findings of the research study will offer insight into the understanding and knowledge gaps of nurses regarding healthcare of fasting Muslim patients. Conclusion: Implementing a culturally competent nursing framework on Ramadan fasting and Islamic dietary guidelines is relevant to nursing care as it enhances knowledge on diverse patient populations. This research proposal will contribute to positive patient health outcomes and increased patient satisfaction.
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The Potential of Bioactive Foods in Chemotherapy-Induced Gastrointestinal Distress
Haizhu Patterson
Background: Cancer continues to have a profoundly detrimental impact on global health, and chemotherapy is widely accepted and utilized as one of the most effective cancer treatments. Unfortunately, the downside of chemotherapy is its significant adverse effects, which often manifest as gastrointestinal (GI) distress, leading the patient to discontinue treatment. Recent research has increasingly focused on bioactive foods as a means to mitigate chemotherapy-induced GI distress. By identifying which bioactive foods can alleviate these distresses, nurses can offer valuable recommendations to cancer patients to help them reduce chemotherapy's adverse effects, enhancing their quality of life (QoL) and improving treatment adherence. Objective: This study proposes an examination of the relationship between ginger (a bioactive food) and its effectiveness in reducing chemotherapy-induced GI distress, specifically focusing on the impact of ginger could have on chemotherapy-induced diarrhea (CID). Method: The researcher will conduct a randomized, intervention-controlled, and placebo-controlled trial with a double-blind cohort design, aiming at determining whether ginger reduces CID and improves CID-related QoL during cycles 2 and 3 of chemotherapy. Results: The data for this study are pending. However, the research anticipates that bioactive foods, particularly ginger, will alleviate CID and improve diarrhea-related QoL. Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest that bioactive foods may be effective in reducing or alleviating chemotherapy-induced GI distress. Understanding this relationship will empower nurses to provide recommendations to cancer patients, reducing adverse chemotherapy effects, improving the patient’s QoL, and promoting adherence to cancer treatment.
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Optimizing Pelvic Health: Evaluating the Efficacy of Prenatal Strength and Resistance Training Combined with Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercises in Reducing Pelvic Organ Prolapse Risk
Samantha Requilman
Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is the descent of pelvic organs—such as the bladder, rectum, or uterus—into the vaginal canal, causing symptoms like discomfort, incontinence, and pain. Beyond physical effects, postpartum women may also experience anxiety, decreased self-confidence, and fear of symptom progression. Research by O’Boyle et al. (2002) highlights that POP studies have focused more on treatment than prevention and suggests that while pelvic floor muscle exercises (PFME) are supported as effective preventive strategies, POP remains prevalent in pregnancy. There are limited research studies on the effectiveness of prenatal resistance training in the prevention of pelvic dysfunctions and this study aims to address the gaps in the literature.
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Effectiveness of Music Therapy in Managing Pain and Anxiety in Pediatric Burn Patients Compared to Traditional Methods Alone
Alejandro Miguel Santos and Maekalagail Santos
Introduction:
Burn injuries are among the most painful conditions for children. While pharmacological interventions are commonly used, non-pharmacological strategies like music therapy are gaining attention for their potential to improve patient outcomes. Previous research indicates that music therapy can reduce pain and anxiety in various settings, but its impact on pediatric burn patients remains underexplored.
Objective:
This study aims to explore the effectiveness of music therapy in managing pain and anxiety in pediatric burn patients, comparing it to traditional pain management methods alone.
Research Question:
Does music therapy affect pain and anxiety in pediatric burn unit patients when added to traditional pain management methods?
Methodology:
This quasi-experimental study will include around 100 Pediatric burn patients, ages 5-18, will be assigned to either a music therapy group or a control group receiving standard care. Participants in the music therapy group will receive a 30-minute classical music session after traditional pain management, and pain and anxiety levels will be assessed before and after the session. The control group receives standard care, but is offered music therapy after data is collected.
Data Analysis:
Data will be analyzed using quantitative measures (FACES Pain Scale, Pediatric Anxiety Rating Scale). Paired and independent t-tests will compare pre- and post-session pain scores and anxiety levels between the two groups.
Conclusion:
The study aims to contribute to the understanding of music therapy's role in pediatric burn care and potentially offer a more holistic approach to pain and anxiety management in this vulnerable population.
