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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Paternal Involvement and Bonding in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: Evaluating Daily Caregiving, Emotional Well-Being, and Father-Infant Connection
Ava G. Kinyon
Background: Premature birth and serious neonatal conditions frequently require infants to obtain care in the NICU, producing psychological and emotional obstacles for families. Despite the fact that skin-to-skin contact has been extensively researched for its strengths in encouraging stability and bonding, there persists restricted importance and understanding on paternal participation in routine caregiving tasks such as feeding, diapering, temperature checks, and swaddling. Purpose: This study aims to evaluate paternal participation in daily NICU caregiving tasks to address gaps in comprehending how these experiences impact bonding and emotional well-being among fathers of hospitalized infants. Methods: This study will employ a quasi-experimental design conducted across two NICUs to assess how paternal engagement in daily caregiving activities affects attachment and emotional well-being among fathers of hospitalized infants. A total of 100 fathers will be randomly allocated to either an organized caregiving group or a standard care group with a lack of caregiving opportunities. Data will be retrieved through validated instruments including the Paternal Stressor Scale: Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (PSS:NICU), the Paternal Postnatal Attachment Scale (PPAS), and a brief Confidence in Caregiving Questionnaire. Statistical evaluation will incorporate independent t-tests and continuous measures utilizing analysis of variance to compare changes in bonding, confidence, and stress between groups over a period of time. Results: It is anticipated that fathers in the organized caregiving group will display higher bonding and confidence scores and reduced stress levels compared to those receiving routine care. Conclusion: This study acknowledges a substantial gap in neonatal nursing research by exploring the impact of paternal caregiving engagement on emotional well-being, confidence, and father-infant connection. The findings may provide evidence-based techniques that encourage nurses to promote paternal engagement as a crucial element of family-based care.
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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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Empowering Birth: Comparing Nurse-Led Holistic and Pharmacologic Pain Relief Approaches
Jessica C. Moore
Childbirth is often described as one of the most meaningful experiences in a woman’s life. During this time, effective pain management is essential not only for reducing discomfort, but also for improving maternal satisfaction and minimizing unnecessary obstetric interventions. While childbirth is frequently approached as a purely physical process, it is inherently holistic, influenced by cultural, social, psychological, and emotional factors.
Growing evidence highlights the value of incorporating and educating patients and providers on non-pharmacologic strategies such as breathing techniques, massage, aromatherapy, hydrotherapy, positioning ,ambulation, and continuous emotional support.
For example, a study in Sweden that found that a group that received continuous midwife-led labor support was associated with lowered cortisol levels, shorter active labor, higher rates of spontaneous vaginal birth, and a significantly lower emergency cesarean rate than compared to the control group which received standard care(Stjernholm et al., 2021). Integrating standardized education for both healthcare providers and expectant mothers promotes safe, effective pain relief options that empower women and help reduce avoidable interventions which ultimately lead to a more positive birthing experience.
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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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Social Media/Cyberbullying Correlation to Adolescent Eating Disorders
Nicoli A. Panelo
Background: Social media is very prevalent in today’s society, particularly in adolescents. This time period is crucial for this age group in terms of developing a sense of purpose and identity. Although social media may keep many of our children entertained, they also can create negative impacts on them and ultimately hinder their overall development both mentally and physically through negative body image and unrealistic self-expectations. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to find the correlation between social media use and the rise of eating disorders in adolescents. Doing so would allow us to find ways to lower the risk of adolescent eating disorders due to social media. Design: An observational cohort study will be conducted between two groups of adolescents: 50 high school students that use social media on a daily basis vs. 50 high school students that do not use social media at all. We will conduct this study over one school year, and at the end of the school year, we will do a final observation on each of the 100 high school students and survey their feelings in regard to their own body image and physical health. Finally, we will compare the results to see how strong of a correlation there is between social media use and eating disorders in this age group. Results: Although this study has not yet been conducted, we expect to see a relatively strong correlation between social media use and the rise of eating disorders in adolescents.
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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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The Impact of Parental Mental Health on Infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Andee L. Plaskett
The neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) provides critical and life saving care for infants born with medical complications that may need specialized care. The NICU environment can be an overwhelming and stressful place for both parents and infants. Parental mental health challenges, such as stress, anxiety, and depression, can significantly impact infants in the NICU by hindering parent infant interaction and connection. Parental mental distress is often linked to an increase in anxiety for the infant, as well as higher rates of medical complications and a higher likelihood of longer hospital stays for the infant. Parental stress can have a long lasting impact on their child. Understanding the connection between parental mental health and infant outcomes is essential in order to support the complex health implications of NICU infants.
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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.
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Medical-Grade Honey and Standard Dressings in Burn Wound Care: Evaluating Effectiveness, Cost, and Patient Outcomes
Chloe Shin and Andrew Golonka
Background: Burn injuries burden the healthcare system globally as silver sulfadiazine (SSD) is the standard treatment even though it delays healing and is highly costly. Medical-grade honey (MGH) demonstrates superior antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, however, there are still evidence gaps when comparing effectiveness, cost efficiency, and patient centered outcomes. Purpose: This study aims to compare MGH and SSD amongst these gaps to inform evidence based burn care. Methods: A randomized controlled trial will enroll 100 people between 25-50 years of age with first and second degree burns, < 20% total body surface area within two hospital burn units. Participants will be assigned to either MGH or SSD treatment. The study will be a single blind design where dermatologists evaluating the wound photographs will not know the treatment given. Primary outcomes include wound healing time, infection rates, and patient reported pain scores. Secondary outcomes will focus on cost effectiveness analyses and patient quality of life. Standardized protocols will be implemented for data collection, wound assessment, and safety monitoring. Results: We anticipate that MGH will have lower infection rates, promote faster wound healing, improved outcomes from patient reports, and better cost effectiveness through shorter hospital stays and reduced medical treatments compared to SSD. Conclusion: This study will provide evidence comparing MGH and SSD across economic, clinical, and patient centered outcomes. If our hypothesis aligns with the results, MGH could be a new evidence based standard in burn care as it offers many advantages over SSD in patient comfort, healing efficiency, and medical costs. The findings will provide areas for future research, especially long term outcome and a bigger patient population.
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How Instructor Engagement Shapes Nursing Students’ Perceptions and Specialty Preference
Marissa M. Sigel
Background: As nursing students approach graduation, choosing a specialty becomes a key decision. Although clinical rotations offer exposure to different practice areas, the role of the clinical instructor is equally influential. Instructor engagement extends beyond teaching skills and may shape how students perceive clinical environments. Objective: This study examines how clinical instructor engagement influences senior nursing students’ specialty preferences. Method: A longitudinal cohort design will be used with pre-licensure BSN students at a small private university in Northern California. Students will complete the same survey twice during their program, and paired t-tests will be used to assess changes in specialty interest after the final senior-year clinical rotation. Results: Data collection has not yet begun. Anticipated findings may clarify whether higher instructor engagement correlates with shifts in specialty interest, suggesting the importance of engagement-related teaching behaviors such as fostering belonging, inclusion, and respect. Conclusion: This study seeks to enhance understanding of how clinical instructor engagement shapes specialty choice and influences the clinical learning environment in nursing education.
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Culturally Sensitive Nursing Care and Its Impact on Abuse Disclosure Among Immigrant-Origin Populations
Jaspal Uppal
Background: Immigrant-origin patients often face many systemic barriers when accessing healthcare. Factors such as language barriers, fear of deportation, limited trust in healthcare providers, and lack of culturally sensitive care make it hard for patients to disclose abuse. These challenges contribute to poor health amongst vulnerable populations which highlights the importance of using culturally sensitive and trauma-informed care. Objective: This research aims to test whether culturally adapted, trauma-informed nursing care improves disclosure of abuse and access to support services. The objective is to strengthen safety and trust between healthcare providers and patients through culturally sensitive care. Method: A quantitative quasi-experimental design with a pre-post survey will be used to compare an intervention group receiving culturally sensitive, trauma-informed care with a control group receiving standardized care. The intervention includes interpreter-assisted communication, trauma-informed assessments, and private rooms for disclosure. Data will be collected using validated tools such as Abuse Assessment Screen, HITS, WAST, and Trust in Physician Scale. Data analysis will include demographics, pre-post survey responses, paired-sample t tests, and ANCOVA to assess the differences amongst the groups. Results: Findings show that culturally sensitive, trauma-informed care improves the rate of abuse disclosure, greater trust in healthcare providers, and increased use of support services compared to patients receiving standard care. Conclusion: Culturally sensitive, trauma-informed nursing care strengthens patient trust and improves disclosure among immigrant-origin populations. This study highlights the need for standard care to embed cultural relevance and trauma awareness to reach out to vulnerable populations.
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Advanced Screening for Intimate Partner Violence to prevent Adverse Pregnancy and Maternal Outcomes
Emilia R. Valdez
Background: Intimate Partner Violence experienced by pregnant individuals contributes to adverse pregnancy outcomes and maternal health. A mother’s exposure to Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) can affect their ability to carry a healthy pregnancy to term (38 – 40 weeks gestational age) and places them at risk for comorbidities including; Preterm birth, Intrauterine Growth Restriction, Low Birth Weight/ Small for Gestational Age, Premature Rupture of Membranes and Miscarriage. The incidence of IPV screening is not accessible to all pregnant individuals due to healthcare providers lack of education, time constraints in the workplace, bias and discomfort towards IPV. The implementation of IPV screening education is essential in preventing these adverse pregnancy outcomes from occurring. Method: A randomized, cohort study with a quantitative- experimental design will be used to examine the effectiveness of proposed IPV education programs for healthcare providers. Eight selected OBGYN offices will be used in this study. Four will be randomly selected to implement IPV education on the proposed screening tool while four will not receive IPV education but will receive the screening tool. Data: The data for this study has yet to be collected, yet the expected results will display the implementation of IPV education and universal screening will allow for early detection of IPV. Descriptive statistics will be used to compare the effectiveness of IPV education in the experimental group versus the control group. Inferential statistics will be used to determine a p- value. If the p-value is < 0.05 the results of the experimental group are statistically significant meaning the implementation of IPV education for healthcare providers and use of proposed IPV screening tools to identify individuals exposed to IPV during pregnancy would be proven. Conclusion: Intimate Partner Violence education and training for healthcare providers will contribute to early intervention for pregnant individuals exposed to IPV and prevent adverse pregnancy outcomes from occurring.
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Adolescents Sexual Health Education Disparities: A Comparative Study of Inclusion, Cultural Barriers, Access, Policy in Relation to Health and Long Term Outcomes
Sofia Vega
Currently, across the different states, sexual health education varies in a range of comprehensive sexual health education to limited sexual health education. These differences in curriculum are not only different from each other but also within themselves. This creates disparities in the knowledge and access among adolescents within their sexual health, which then creates a range of complications involving confidence in knowledge, pregnancy, STIs, and overall inclusion. When granting access to contraceptives on an educational campus, along with education on contraceptives, it allows students to access these tools in a safe environment and increases usage of condoms, lowering the risk of having an unplanned pregnancy and contracting a sexually transmitted infection.
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Reassessing Pet Allergy Prevention in Children Through Early Pet Exposure in Toddlerhood
Reynaldo A. Adalin III
Background: Allergies are among children's most common health issues growing up, impacting them daily and into adulthood. Among these allergies, pet allergies have become increasingly common with children around the globe developing sensitization to common household pets such as cats and dogs. Several factors cause pet allergies, including proteins found in an animal's skin, saliva, urine, and dander, which are the most problematic due to their ability to remain airborne for a prolonged period. Objective: To examine the relationship between early exposure to pets during toddlerhood versus later exposure at school age and the development of pet allergies. By studying the effects of early pet exposure, we can have more precise insights into whether growing up with a pet in the household plays a crucial role in reducing the development of pet allergies. Method: To accomplish the purpose of this study, researchers will use a mixed method, quantitative and qualitative, prospective cohort study design to investigate the effectiveness of early pet exposure in toddlers in reducing the development of pet allergies. Results: The data for this study have not been collected yet, but the expected results are that children who have pets during toddlerhood will have less incidence of pet allergies and allergy symptoms than children who are introduced to pets during school age or beyond. Conclusion: Reconsidering previous studies on early pet exposure therapy can provide a modern perspective on treating allergies through exposure therapy while closing the gap in knowledge about the relationship between the immune system and pet allergens. Understanding the potential protective benefits of early pet exposure could lead to strategies that mitigate pet allergies, enhancing children's long-term health and quality of life.
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Occupational Therapy Students’ Perspectives on Co-Curricular Resilience Programming
Dan Kavin Agbayani, Stephen Beck, Nicole Colombo, Danielle Tirpack, and Mikayla Hilario
Occupational Therapy (OT) students and healthcare workers face significant stress due to academic and professional demands. This stress, if prolonged, can lead to burnout and exhaustion. Resilience, the ability to adapt to challenging experiences, can mitigate the effects of stress and burnout. Resilience has been linked to mindfulness, self-compassion, social support/ connection, and physical activity. While resilience programs have shown positive effects for college students and healthcare providers, there is limited research on resilience programming tailored for OT students. This study aimed to fill this research gap by assessing OT students’ utilization of and satisfaction with a co-curricular resilience program offered by the OT department at Dominican University of California. This study also sought to assess the perceived impacts of this resilience program. To meet these objectives, this research project employed a 57-item survey developed using Qualtrics. Results showed that an Instagram page was the most utilized resilience resource and that participants were most satisfied with group hiking events. Group meditation sessions had the greatest impact on participants’ ability to focus on the present moment, while group hiking events had the greatest impact on participants’ sense of belonging, ability to cope with stress, and ability to extend kindness to themselves. This study’s results demonstrate the value of the co-curricular resilience program offered through the Dominican OT department. These results may inform future resilience programming at Dominican or the formation of new resilience programs at other higher education settings.
