Student Research Posters

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  Effects of Educational Intervention on Asthmatic Children

  Zoe Coggins

  Abstract

  Children are more vulnerable to asthmatic symptoms due to the physiological immaturity of their respiratory systems. Therefore, irritants are deemed more hazardous for the pediatric population. Pollution is a growing health concern, and within the literature review, several approaches to the measurement of the impact of low air quality and educational interventions are discussed. The themes identified in the literature review are increased risk of pollution-induced exacerbation due to age, behavior, and residential proximity to emission-producing facilities. The review of the literature demonstrated how pollution is a growing public health concern, especially among the pediatric population. Interventions, reviewed in the theme of behavior, showed decreased exacerbations following educational intervention. The purpose of this study is to increase health literacy in children to decrease asthmatic exacerbation. The proposal for further study will answer the research question: In children ages six to 12 years old with asthma attending schools near Fresno Yosemite International Airport, how does classroom education on air quality compared to no education affect the number of asthma exacerbations over seven weeks? A total of 42 participants will be selected to partake in this seven-week randomized controlled quantitative study. The research proposal utilized questionnaires and spirometry (FEV1) as tools to measure baseline asthmatic symptoms as well as week-to-week symptom assessment. The questionnaires used for this study are the ISAAC Questionnaire (International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood) (Asher et al., 1995) and The Asthma Control Questionnaire (Juniper et al., 1999). The expected result is to find a p-value of <0.05 to prove that educational intervention has a negative relationship to asthmatic exacerbations in children. Limitations identified in this study include a small pool of participants and the inability to determine potential bias, as the questionnaires are a take-home assignment.

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  Enhancing Advocacy through Nursing Interventions for Hospitalized Pediatric Oncology Patients with Absent Parents

  Ma Seandee Mae Corrales

  Pediatric oncology patients require consistent, specialized care that is strongly supported by parental advocacy. Advocacy is critical for ensuring timely interventions, articulating the child’s needs, and providing emotional support during hospitalization. However, some pediatric patients face gaps in advocacy when parents are unable to be consistently present due to unavoidable obligations, such as work commitments or caregiving responsibilities for other children. This lack of consistent parental presence can impact the quality of care, potentially causing delays in treatment and unmet health needs (Brady et al., 2020).

  Nurses are uniquely positioned to bridge these gaps by stepping in as advocates to ensure that pediatric oncology patients receive continuous, compassionate care (Nsiah et al., 2019). Through targeted nursing policies and education, nurse-led advocacy can play a pivotal role in addressing disparities in care caused by inconsistent parental involvement. This research proposal explores the impact of implementing such policies and education, aiming to empower nurses to fill the advocacy void, improve patient outcomes, and provide equitable care for this vulnerable population.

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  The Power of Plate & Knowledge: Nutrition’s Role in PCOS Management for Asian American Women

  Cassandra Camille Diego Curameng

  Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a metabolic endocrine disorder affecting 8–11% of women worldwide, with 70% remaining undiagnosed (WHO, 2023). It presents with symptoms such as irregular menstrual cycles, insulin resistance, high testosterone levels, anxiety, depression, and infertility, significantly impacting quality of life and health (OASH, 2021). The symptoms of PCOS can severely impact women’s quality of life, mental health, and long-term well-being. Insulin resistance contributes to symptom severity and a 50% likelihood of developing diabetes or prediabetes by age 40 (Wang et al., 2011). Women with PCOS face a threefold increased risk of endometrial, ovarian, and breast cancers (Barry et al., 2014). Despite its prevalence, many women with PCOS struggle to manage their symptoms effectively. Healthcare providers commonly treat PCOS symptoms with medications such as birth control, Spironolactone, and Metformin (Radosh, 2009). However, early intervention is crucial in reducing the risk of developing more severe health complications related to PCOS, yet there remains a lack of education for both providers and patients among the Asian American community on lifestyle and dietary changes that could help manage the condition.

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  The Impact of an OT-Led Universal Design Training

  Katherine Yessenia De Leon-Ruiz, Jasper Patrick Perez, Mckell E. Calder, and Yu Pan

  Background: Physical, sensory, and social barriers in cultural art spaces affect participation and must be addressed to experience maximum access and enjoyment. Occupational therapy can help overcome these obstacles by supporting staff education through Universal Design for Learning (UDL) frameworks.

  Methods: This study measured the effectiveness of an occupational therapy-based training that focused on improving museum staff’s confidence and competence in implementing UDL principles in presentations at a science museum. Data were collected via pre-test and post-test surveys, and data were analyzed using SPSS.

  Results: Museum staff demonstrated an increased understanding of UDL principles, greater confidence when presenting to neurodivergent populations, and enhanced their ability to support access and inclusion for people with disabilities. Post-survey results indicated a statistically significant (p< 0.05) shift in the staff perspectives on the importance of UDL, increased confidence in supporting access and inclusion, and improved understanding of how visual resources support access and inclusion for visitors.

  Conclusion: Occupational therapy consultation is important in cultural art spaces to address barriers and increase meaningful participation for all. The findings emphasize the need for UDL and disability-related education for staff, suggesting that providing clear language and frameworks can significantly support and enhance inclusion efforts.

  Keywords: occupational therapy consultation, community-based occupational therapy, cultural arts accessibility, community participation, neurodiversity, autism, sensory friendly, accessibility programming

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  Racial and Geographic Disparities in the Management and Care of Sepsis

  Luke Dommaschk Burwell

  Sepsis, a severe condition triggered by the body's response to infection, requires prompt treatment to prevent tissue damage and organ failure. The SEP-1 Sepsis bundle, developed by Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), aims to standardize care, particularly in rural hospitals with limited resources. However, disparities in bundle adherence and mortality rates persist, with rural areas facing more significant challenges. Studies show racial differences in care quality, emphasizing the need for interventions to address systemic biases. While sepsis bundle adherence and simulation training are strong indicators of care improvement, the literature review underscores the need for targeted interventions in rural settings and addresses racial inequities in protocol activation. This research proposal utilizes a quantitative quasi-experimental design to examine the impact of nurse-led training programs on sepsis recognition and treatment initiation. Data collection relies on Medicare and Medicaid Quality service measures, emphasizing the time from first contact to sepsis alert activation and treatment. Pre-intervention data collection will establish baselines, while the educational program aims to enhance nurses' sepsis management skills. Post-intervention data evaluation will assess changes in mortality rates, alert activation times, and treatment adherence. Using descriptive statistics and t-testing, analysis of post-intervention data will determine significant differences between pre-and post-intervention measures; a p-value < 0.05 will indicate rejection of the null hypothesis.

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  Delayed and Misdiagnosed Endometriosis

  Teresa Doyle

  Endometriosis is a chronic, painful disorder affecting approximately 10% of women of reproductive age globally.This condition arises when tissue similar to the endometrium, the lining of the uterus, grows outside the uterus, typically on the ovaries, Fallopian tubes, and other areas within the pelvis. Common symptoms of endometriosis include severe pelvic pain, fatigue, irregular menstruation, and infertility. These symptoms have a significant impact on women’s physical and mental health, affecting their interactions with their family, friends, and clinicians, often leading to significant impairment in their quality of life (Sims et al., 2021). The diagnostic journey for many women with endometriosis can be prolonged and fraught with challenges, as symptoms frequently overlap with other conditions,leading to misdiagnosis and inadequate treatment (Dantkale & Agrawal, 2024).

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  Preventive Strategies for Elder Abuse within Hospice Care by Healthcare Professionals

  Joshua Eason

  Background: Healthcare professionals providing hospice care need to have particular specialized abilities, empathy, and trust. Unfortunately, some of these medical professionals are unable to provide their patients the care they need, so they will instead abuse and ignore them. Elder abuse must be identified and addressed in hospice care settings if older patients are to have their rights and dignity upheld and a standardized, compassionate end-of-life care program is to be provided for each patient.

  Purpose: The purpose of this study is to examine the effectiveness and preventative strategies for elder abuse, implemented by healthcare providers within the hospice care settings by examining and stating preventative measures.

  Method: We used a qualitative approach utilizing structured interviews toward healthcare professionals and patients by asking a series of questions regarding hospice care experience, witnessing abuse, and abuse training/education.

  Results: We found that a majority of healthcare professionals attended a mandatory abuse training program, yet it wasn’t as useful due to it being vague and not resembling real life scenarios. Patients state they have no personally experienced abuse, but know of their peers that have. During the interviews, family members have stated nurses did not educate them about the warning signs of abuse.

  Conclusion: Healthcare institutions may strive toward creating settings of safety, compassion, and respect for senior patients receiving hospice care by putting into place evidence-based treatments and rules. By working together and putting patient welfare first, we can reduce the number of elder abuse cases and make sure that everyone receiving hospice care has a dignified death experience.

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  Education on the Early Recognition of Antepartum Sepsis

  Diana Egan

  Even though rare in occurrence, sepsis in pregnancy causes high morbidity and mortality rates, most deaths preventable with timely recognition and intervention. With symptoms difficult to identify, adjusted screening tools were created. The literature review highlighted the importance of using approaches such as these tools to improve on maternal outcomes and treatment. The review displayed how nurses in other departments find difficulty defining and identifying sepsis in adults as well as education surrounding interventions in maternal sepsis and obstetrical emergencies improve knowledge deficits. In response, questions emerge about what labor and delivery nurses know about recognizing sepsis in the pregnant population. Even further, there is a lack of research of how education on approaches to antepartum sepsis identification impacts nurses’ knowledge. This proposed one group pretest posttest research study will gather 50 labor and delivery nurses across multiple hospitals in the San Francisco Bay Area to collect data on their demographics (experience, education, and last sepsis training), knowledge before an educational intervention on screening for antepartum sepsis with a 20 multiple choice test, and knowledge after an educational intervention with the same test. The results of the pretest Statistical analysis will be used to analyze the data, using a paired t-test and p value to prove any statistically significant information. Descriptive statistics will also be used to describe the results of the knowledge tests. Further research may include studying the retention of education on the recognition of antepartum sepsis, or assessing how education impacts mortality rates.

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  Life after Brain Injury: Family Perspectives

  Brenda Yamileth Escobar, Arianna Masuko Inouye, Caroline Nicole Mendoza, and Edith Elaine Leslie

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  Prepared to Protect: Improving Cardiac Emergency Response in Youth Club Sports

  Melissa Garcia

  Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is a medical emergency where the heart unexpectedly stops beating due to an electrical malfunction. A person experiencing a cardiac arrest collapses, loses consciousness, and ceases breathing (American Heart Association, 2022).

  Exercise offers numerous benefits to the cardiovascular system and a person’s overall health. However, there are incidents of sports-related cardiac arrest in apparently healthy athletes, including children and young adults. Athletes may be exposed to dehydration, adrenic surges, electrolyte imbalances, acid/base disturbances, and trauma which increases their risk of experiencing a cardiac event (Wasfy et al., 2016).

  Sudden cardiac arrest is the leading cause of death in youth athletes. Despite this alarming statistic, there is a significant gap in awareness and emergency action plan (EAP) compliance among coaches, parents, and medical personnel in club youth sports organizations. Non-school based youth sports organizations often lack the safeguards and resources that schools can provide. It is critical to enhance the education about cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), automated external defibrillators (AEDs), and comprehensive emergency action plans (EAPs). Coaches, parents, and officials can uphold the safety standards of sports activities when they are certified and trained in the necessary medical interventions. By addressing these gaps in knowledge and preparedness, there is an opportunity to protect children and prevent cardiac death in youth sports.

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  Mentorship Treasure Chest (MTC): A Toolbox for Successful Mentoring

  Lluvia Angel Gonzalez-Castro, Bridget Elizabeth McCarron, Sarah Christine Donaldson, and Austin Michel Muniz-Bottomley

  This poster delves into the pivotal role of mentorship in shaping the professional trajectory of occupational therapists, with a specific focus on the Dominican Occupational Therapy Alumni Mentoring Program (DOTAMP). Aligned with the mentorship definition posited by the American Occupational Therapy Association, this project aims to outline challenges encountered by recent graduates in transitioning to professional practice. This project aimed to enhance the effectiveness of DOTAMP by incorporating research-informed principles and refining its guidance approach.

  The project development team proposed a solution that introduces the 'Mentorship Treasure Chest' (MTC) — a comprehensive toolbox shaped by validated sources that underscore the positive impact of structured formal mentorship. By integrating external and internal factors gathered from mentorship research, the MTC aspires to optimize the DOTAMP, offering a structured framework to fortify mentee-mentor relationships. This exploration contributes nuanced insights to the broader discourse on mentorship within occupational therapy, providing practical avenues for program refinement and fostering continual professional maturation in the field.

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

  Danielle Gonzalez

  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''. 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' 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.

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  Nurses Current State of Knowledge on Prion Disease

  Chelsy Grande

  Human prion disease is a rare and fatal neurodegenerative disorder. Creutzfeldt- Jakob prion disease rapidly progresses, and is caused by prion, an infectious protein that damages the central nervous system (Bailey et al., 2000). The infectious pathogen is different from other infectious diseases as the normal prion protein misfolds, changing the structures and results in an accumulation of cellular prion proteins (Rentz, 2003). There is no cure for Creutzfeldt- Jakob disease, only palliative care to improve their symptoms and provide support as the disease progresses. How much do nurses know and understand about prion disease, and how can this influence their ability to provide patient care?

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  Telehealth: A Rising Intervention for Latina Mothers Experiencing Prenatal and Postpartum Depression

  Britney Gutierrez

  Abstract: Background: Postpartum depression (PPD) is high among Latina women but often goes unrecognized and untreated. Recognition and management of PPD in this population is crucial as PPD contributes to negative health effects on the mother and infant. Purpose: This research aims to look into telehealth to improve screening methods and treatment for Latina mothers through a Spanish mobile health application that will provide screening and education on PPD. Method: This mixed-method quality improvement study will include 300 participants from an OB-GYN and Pediatrics community clinic, > 18 years old, of Hispanic/Latino ethnicity, Spanish speaking, currently pregnant, or had a child within the last year, with a score >12 on the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), have no current treatment for PPD and have access to a mobile application. Participants will be randomly divided into two groups receiving the standard protocol for PPD but one group will receive the mobile app. Pre and post-tests will be used to measure scores of PPD using the EPDS in which independent t-test analyses will be conducted to reveal significant differences between the groups. Descriptive statistics will be used to measure the rates of screening between the groups and a coding scheme will be completed for the qualitative research obtained on mother’s experiences. Results: It is hypothesized that Latina mothers who participate in the mobile application intervention will have higher percentages of screening and lower scores on the EPDS post-test. A p-value less than 0.05 will reveal significant differences between the intervention and control groups. Conclusion: This research will show the significant impact of using telehealth, a mobile health application in Spanish, for screening and treating Latina mothers with PPD.

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  The Impact of Spanish Classes for Labor and Delivery Nurses on Postpartum Depression Incidence among Hispanic Women

  Leilani Gutierrez

  Postpartum depression (PPD) is a form of clinical depression that affects individuals after childbirth and is characterized by feelings of sadness, anxiety, and other symptoms that impact daily functioning. After childbirth, postpartum depression and anxiety are experienced by 70-80% of new mothers (South Dakota Department of Health). The likelihood being twice as high for Hispanic women compared to caucasian women. Postpartum depression impacts 30-43% of Hispanic mothers who have recently given birth. Research indicates that poor childbirth experiences can lead to postpartum depression (Lara-Cinisomo et al,. 2023). The connection between language obstacles in the maternal care of Hispanic women and postpartum depression is attributed to the dissatisfaction resulting from their delivery experience. Insufficient studies have been performed on the impact of language limitations on maternal health and their capacity to affect a mother's mental health following childbirth.

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  Impact of Non-Pharmacological Interventions on Immunization-Related Anxiety Among Pediatric Patients

  Jessica Ho

  Needle phobia in pediatric patients can be caused by previous negative experiences involving needles, hypersensitivity to pain, merinthophobia (fear of being restrained), and vasovagal reactions such as syncope triggered by the touch or sight of a needle (Cleveland Clinic, 2022). Nurses encounter needle phobia across various patient care settings, from outpatient pediatric clinics to specialized children’s hospitals, affecting approximately two out of every three children (CDC, 2023). Needle phobia as a child can persist into adolescence, affecting approximately 20% of teenagers. This fear of needles often results in avoidance of vaccinations and other medical procedures involving needles. Vaccine hesitancy from immunization-related anxiety can be detrimental to public health by reducing herd immunity and increasing the spread of preventable diseases. Children’s Hospital of Orange County, 2021).

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  Postpartum Depression: The Effects on Infant Development During the First Year of Life

  Sophie John

  Childbirth is considered one of the most pivotal events in a woman’s life, bringing along profound changes. While often seen as joyful, the experience can be extremely challenging or stressful. This might trigger a wide range of emotions that can hinder a mother’s ability to care for herself as well as her newborn. Unlike temporary “baby blues,” postpartum depression (PPD) is similar to major depressive disorder, with symptoms like guilt, anxiety, hopelessness, and even suicidal thoughts. Though typically diagnosed within 4-6 weeks after birth, it often goes untreated or underdiagnosed due to inadequate screening. Untreated PPD can pose a risk for mother-infant bonding and adversely affect a child’s cognitive and emotional development, highlighting the importance of early detection and treatment. This thesis highlights the importance of early detection and early interventions for PPD.

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  Assessing Disparities in Culturally Competent Care in Ethnic Burn Patients

  Min Kang

  One of the most debilitating injuries one can suffer is a burn. It is even worse when certain individuals can not access the high quality care such as immigrants. With immigration rates increasing over the last several decades, these populations often lack the proper medical care that they deserve. The overarching theme in this population is that they face challenges in attaining positive patient outcomes due to cultural differences.

  • Lack of Culturally Competent Care in Burn Care
  • Addressing Cultural Safety and Quality of Care in Burn Injury Management
  • Analyzing Disparities in Access to Culturally Competent Burn care

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  Addressing the Occupational Needs of College Students

  Amanda Lam, Ashley Keates, Marissa Heirich, and Noreen Pervaiz

  The Dominican Occupational Therapy (OT) Coaching project was led by a team of five master's level OT students in collaboration with the Integrative Coaching (IC) team at Dominican University of California. Aligned with the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework 4th edition (2020), the project supported various aspects of student wellness, such as academics, healthy lifestyles, stress management, sleep hygiene, and time management. In the fall of 2022, the team conducted a comprehensive literature review and needs assessment of Dominican's Student Success Center (SSC), actively engaged in SSC and IC meetings, and delivered an educational presentation on OT to SSC staff. The OT Coaching program officially launched in spring 2023, including implementation of a live scheduling website, OT Coaching intake forms, and an IC to OT student referral system.

  Building on groundwork from the previous capstone group, this team continued to explore the occupational needs of college students at Dominican. Leveraging the expertise of graduate-level OT students, OT Coaching offered personalized support services to improve students’ overall well-being and participation in meaningful occupations. Acknowledging the importance of client feedback and partnership, Google Forms were incorporated to gather input on program services at the end of each semester. This approach allowed further refinement and tailoring of support services based on the evolving needs of the student community. This team also emphasized sustainability by actively facilitating the transfer of this program to the next capstone group. This collaborative initiative significantly contributed to fostering a supportive campus environment and promoting enduring student success.

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  Whole Foods Diet on Cognitive Functions In Children From Low-Income Families with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

  Jasmine Le

  Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurological disorder that has become increasingly prevalent in adolescents worldwide. This disorder often impairs academic performance, emotional regulation, and ability to navigate daily tasks effectively. It usually persists from childhood to adulthood (Hemamy et al., 2021).

  Although conventional treatments such as medication and therapies are used for symptom management, many low-income families do not have the resources or education to access medical help, which may lead them to seek alternative treatments. Emerging research suggests that modifying diet to incorporate whole foods, foods rich in essential nutrients and minutely processed foods, may play a major role in alleviating ADHD symptoms. While research shows that a healthy diet is beneficial in improving ADHD symptoms, there is limited research on nursing interventions for the low-income school-age population (Robinette et al., 2022).

  Considering how vulnerable populations such as low-income students may not have healthcare access, it is crucial for nurses and healthcare professionals to understand the importance of diet in treating ADHD, as it addresses a holistic approach to managing symptoms.

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  Pediatric Vaccination Adherence: Enhancing Compliance Among First-Generation Asian American Parents

  Katelyn Leong

  Background: Vaccine adherence in the pediatric population refers to receiving vaccines as per the recommended schedule, which significantly reduces vaccine-preventable diseases and enhances community immunity. Vaccine hesitancy, driven by concerns such as safety, misinformation, or cultural beliefs can affect adherence. National coverage of state-mandated vaccines among kindergarteners declined from 95% to around 93% between 2019 and 2022, varying across different vaccines. Objective: This research proposal’s focus is to determine if an educational intervention targeting first-generation Asian Americans, who have adopted their immigrant parents' misinformation about vaccines, will effectively increase vaccination rates among their children. The study aims to assess the effectiveness of educational outreach in promoting vaccination adherence within this demographic group. The literature reviews contribute to understanding various aspects of pediatric vaccination on parental decision-making and adherence to immunizations and have implications for public health interventions promoting vaccine uptake and adherence among children. It highlights the influence of cultural and societal factors on vaccination rates and hesitancy, exploring demographic, cultural, and psychological influences shaping parental attitudes and behaviors toward childhood vaccination. Method: A quantitative experimental design will be used with a sample size of 100 participating families. Once the 100 participants are selected, they will be randomly placed in either the control or experimental group. Both groups will receive standardized care and education on the necessity of vaccine adherence; however, the control group will not receive the educational intervention coupled with the inclusion of a brochure containing the required dated immunization schedule. Vaccine adherence will be measured by the children’s EHR records (pre- and post-intervention) and a questionnaire will measure vaccine hesitancy and willingness before and after the intervention. As a result of the study, there is an expectation that vaccine adherence scores will increase.

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  ICU Nurse Mental Health: Telehealth vs In-Person Therapy

  Ariel Mach

  Background Nurses working within high-stress specialties, such as Intensive Care Units (ICUs), often face a lack of resources aimed at supporting their mental health. The expectation for the nurses is to independently manage their psychological well-being based on their knowledge and educational background. However, many times it is difficult to manage persistent stress, anxiety, or depression and this could adversely affect the quality of patient care and eventually lead to burnout. Telehealth therapy has become more readily available and used since the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to two forms of treatment delivery. Currently, there is limited research on the effectiveness of telehealth compared to the traditional form of in-person office visits. Objective The primary aim of this literature review and proposal is to improve the mental well-being of ICU nurses while assessing and comparing the effectiveness of telehealth versus in-person therapy in reducing anxiety. The literature review summarizes findings from six studies, categorizing them according to their effect on mental health and the benefits and barriers associated with in-person and telehealth therapy. Method This research proposal will encompass a mixed-methods study involving 25 participants for individual cognitive behavioral therapy, incorporating both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Participants will be recruited from hospitals with ICU departments through emails/flyers. Data will be collected pre- and post-intervention through questionnaires and surveys along with two test tools called the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7) and the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI). It is hypothesized that telehealth therapy will be more effective in reducing anxiety compared to in-person therapy in ICU nurses.

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  Maternal Stress on Preterm Birth in Asian American Women

  Dana Ma

  Background: Pregnancy represents a crucial life event marked by numerous physical and emotional transformations. The presence of anxiety during pregnancy can negatively impact the health of both the mother and the developing fetus. Objective: This study aims to assess the impact of educational interventions such as meditation, relaxation techniques, and cognitive-behavioral therapy on reducing anxiety levels among pregnant Asian American women. Method: The quantitative true experiment will consist of 100 pregnant Asian American women meeting the inclusion criteria of singleton pregnancy, between ages 25 to 45, and absence of pregnancy complications. Participants will be conveniently sampled from OBGYN clinics in the local area and randomly assigned to either the control or intervention group. The control group will be those receiving standard prenatal care which includes routine check-ups and measurements of anxiety levels. The intervention group will be those attending 1 hour weekly educational sessions including meditation relaxation techniques, and cognitive-behavioral therapy. To assess the efficiency of the study, participants' anxiety levels will be assessed using standardized scales such as the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7 (GAD-7), Likert scales, and social support scales. Descriptive statistics will be used to compare means between the control and intervention groups. Inferential statistics, such as ht-tests, will be conducted to determine the significance of any observed differences in anxiety levels.

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  Nurses’ Perception on the Gut-Brain Axis and its implications on Mental Health

  Geethika Manoj and Celine Bautista

  Background: Most medical interventions recommended for patients with anxiety and depression include pharmacological treatments and psychotherapy. Thus, undermining the existence of modifiable risk factors, such as diet. Despite being an area of growing research, the gut-brain axis is a very broad topic among the healthcare field. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate registered nurses’ perceptions and understanding of the gut-brain axis and its implications for mental health management. Methods: This proposed exploratory descriptive study will conduct research among fifteen registered nurses, each with at least two years of experience in specialties such as gastroenterology, psychiatry, or hospital care. They will participate in semi-structured interviews lasting 45–60 minutes. These interviews will assess their knowledge of the gut-brain connection, attitudes toward nutrition-based interventions, and approaches to incorporating dietary education into patient care. Data Collection and Analysis: The data will include participants' responses from interviews that will be recorded and transcribed to identify patterns and themes using content analysis. The findings of the study will offer insight into the current understanding and knowledge gaps of nurses regarding the relationship between gut health and mental health. Conclusion: Although there is research surrounding the gut-brain axis, there is a gap in the understanding and perceptions of nurses around this topic. The results of this study can bring more attention to a primarily nutrition-based intervention. Thus, allowing nurses to create individualized treatment plans focusing not only on pharmacological treatments but also on a modified diet to improve patient mental health outcomes.