Background: Obesity is a critical social and health issue, adversely impacting life expectancy, q... more Background: Obesity is a critical social and health issue, adversely impacting life expectancy, quality of life, and mental health. Minorities are disproportionately impacted by obesity with African Americans experiencing the highest prevalence among minority groups. Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine if a lifestyle program that integrated chair exercises, nutrition and educational counseling, and scripture readings would help under-served obese African American women make lifestyle changes that would positively impact their quality of life, especially mental health. Methods: A repeated measures intervention study was conducted (24-weeks). Weeks 1-12 involved meeting twice a week for a total of 4 h with participants engaged in chair exercises, educational counseling, and scripture readings. During weeks 13-24, the participants were "on their own" but were encouraged to exercise and eat healthy. Focus groups were held at 12 and 24-weeks. Participants were recruited from a nurse managed center and a primary care clinic for the uninsured. Mental health data were collected at baseline, 12, and 24-weeks. The Medical Outcomes Study Short Form Version 2 (SF-36v2) was used to measure changes in mental health. Higher scores indicate better perceived health status. Group scores less than 47 indicate impaired functioning. Findings: 55 women had complete data for all three data collection points, with a mean age of 50 and a mean BMI of 41.2. Repeated ANOVAs detected significant differences on the mental component summary of the SF-36v2: this score improved from baseline (M = 44.1) to 12-weeks (M = 50.7) but decreased at 24-weeks (M = 47.9) (p = .000). The four domains (vitality, social functioning, role emotional, mental health) were also significantly different over the three data collection points. Implications: The findings have significant implications for psychiatric nurses in terms of education, clinical practice, and future research. The study contributed to the participants' mental health through the various group activities including scripture readings, socialization with "like minded" women and structured exercises. These findings offer psychiatric nurses additional tools for effective care.
Journal of Clinical Psychology in Medical Settings, 2022
Integrative approaches in the primary care setting have grown in favor over the past few decades,... more Integrative approaches in the primary care setting have grown in favor over the past few decades, with many interesting findings about the influence of personality disorders on physical health and functioning; however, less is known about how specific pathological personality traits impact patient–provider assessments of physical and mental health. Using the DSM-5 Levels of Personality Functioning Questionnaire-Short Form (DLOPFQ-SF) and Personality Inventory for DSM-5-Brief Form, these relationships were evaluated in a sample of 50 inner-city, low-income patients in a primary care clinic. Point-biserial correlations revealed significant correlations between physical and mental health morbidities, as well as personality pathology and patient response to treatment. Our findings lend further support to describing the relationships between personality pathology, medical comorbidities, and patient response to treatment.
Background: While it is known that migration of registered nurses from Guyana occurs often, littl... more Background: While it is known that migration of registered nurses from Guyana occurs often, little is known about professional nursing issues in Guyana and how these professional issues may influence the decision to migrate. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the role of female nurses in health care in Guyana, their working conditions and salary, the image of nursing in Guyana, and nurse-physician relationships and how these factors may influence the decision to migrate. Methods: Nine female Guyanese nurses participated in a focus group with the authors. The focus group was recorded and transcribed verbatim. Results: Three themes related to nursing professional issues were discussed: low perceived public image of nursing, lack of professional autonomy and poor nursephysician relationships. All participants stated that they know nurses who have migrated from Guyana and that economic issues and desire to join family members who have migrated are the main factors in maki...
Federal practitioner : for the health care professionals of the VA, DoD, and PHS, 2016
There was no association between the demographic variables of age, race, marital status, and educ... more There was no association between the demographic variables of age, race, marital status, and education and respondents' medication beliefs or erectile function in this pilot study.
Introduction: The suicide rate in Guyana was five times higher than the world average in 2014 (WH... more Introduction: The suicide rate in Guyana was five times higher than the world average in 2014 (WHO) which puts Guyana at the top of the list with 44.2 per 100,000 people, the highest suicide rate in the world. For every completed suicide, there are survivors who experience high levels of psychological, physical, and social distress, and report feelings of guilt, shame, social stigma, and search for meaning. Aim: The aim of this qualitative study was to explore how family members coped and understand the suicide of their loved one, and to determine what resources were available to help them during this transition. Method: Ten family members were recruited to participate in a focus group. The focus group lasted approximately 90min and was recorded. The audio recordings were later transcribed. Results: Four overarching themes emerged from the data: (1) perceived causes of suicide, (2) perceived solutions, (3) barriers to helping persons who are suicidal, and (4) personal and community reactions to suicide. Implications for practice: Nurses in Guyana are uniquely positioned to take a leadership role in creating and implementing postvention programs for suicide survivors that are culturally and ethnically relevant. Opportunities to partner with schools of nursing in higher income countries are explored.
The Journal of Behavioral Health Services & Research, 2017
In the last ten years primary care providers have been encouraged to implement integrated models ... more In the last ten years primary care providers have been encouraged to implement integrated models of care where individuals' medical and mental health needs are addressed holistically. Many integrated models use Psychiatric Mental Health (PMH) nurses as case managers and select exemplars use PMH Advanced Practice Nurses (APNs) as providers. However, the potential value of PMH nurses in integrated health care remains unrealized by health care planners and payers, limiting access to services for the populations most in need of comprehensive care approaches. This current situation is partially fueled by insufficient knowledge of the roles and skill sets of PMH nurses. In this paper, the PMH RN and APN skill sets are detailed, demonstrating how effective use of these nurses can further the aims of integrated care models. Finally, outlined are
Guyana, an English-speaking country on the north coast of South America, has the highest suicide ... more Guyana, an English-speaking country on the north coast of South America, has the highest suicide rate in the world. Nurses are an integral part of the healthcare team working with patients experiencing psychological distress and are uniquely qualified to add to the discourse on factors contributing to the high suicide rate in Guyana. The purpose of this study was to explore the attitudes and experiences of nurses and nurse assistants in Guyana related to suicide. Nine registered nurses and nurse assistants who worked at a private hospital in Georgetown, Guyana, were recruited to participate in a focus group. The focus group lasted approximately 70 minutes and was recorded. The audio recordings were later transcribed word for word. Four themes emerged from the data: family issues as they relate to the high suicide rate, suicide attempts as a cry for help, lack of support, and coping mechanisms used by nurses when caring for victims of attempted suicide. Nurses are uniquely positioned...
Depression is one of the most serious mental health comorbidities associated with diabetes. In th... more Depression is one of the most serious mental health comorbidities associated with diabetes. In this pilot study, we describe the associations identified via a cross-sectional survey among demographic variables, depression, self-efficacy, and glycemic control in a primarily minority population (mean age = 57.9 years; n = 30) with diabetes mellitus. Descriptive, bivariate, and correlation analyses were conducted. A significant inverse relationship was detected between depression and self-efficacy; however the relationship between depression and A1C was not significant. The implications of these findings include the need for interventions that regularly screen for depression and self-efficacy in persons diagnosed with diabetes mellitus, especially in the earlier years of diagnosis.
The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence, demographic factors, outcomes, and preven... more The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence, demographic factors, outcomes, and preventative measures for substance abuse among nurse anesthesia students over a 5-year period from 2008 to 2012. An electronic survey was sent to 111 program directors of accredited nurse anesthesia programs in the United States. Twenty-three programs (response rate = 21.7%) reported data related to 2,439 students. Sixteen incidents of substance abuse were reported for a 5-year prevalence of 0.65%. Opioids were the most frequent drug of choice (n = 9). The programs identified no predisposing risk factors in 50% of the incidents. For the students, reported outcomes included voluntary entry into treatment (n = 10), dismissal from the program (n = 7), loss of nursing license (n = 2), and 1 death. Pre-enrollment background checks and drug testing for cause were the most commonly reported screening practices. The most frequently reported prevention strategy was wellness promotion education. The pr...
ABSTRACTTransition into motherhood is generally a joyful life event; for some women, however, it ... more ABSTRACTTransition into motherhood is generally a joyful life event; for some women, however, it is marked by emotional turmoil. Lack of support can be associated with postpartum depression and can compromise both the mother and infant. A descriptive, cross-sectional study (N = 61) was conducted to explore the relationship between social support and postpartum depression and to determine whether mothers overwhelmed with childcare, or overwhelmed with life in general since becoming a mother, sought professional help. The results revealed that screening for depression alone may not be sufficient, that mothers are willing to contact a professional for help in the postpartum period, and that assessments after birth should include a broader assessment of life’s difficulties rather than focusing on childcare responsibilities alone.
Mental health disorders represent a significant burden across all nations with the vast majority ... more Mental health disorders represent a significant burden across all nations with the vast majority of people being undiagnosed and/or undertreated. There is an urgent need to address these mental health disparities and to implement strategies that will improve appropriate diagnosis and treatment at both the local and international level. Two solutions will be discussed in this paper. First, an integrated care model which has the potential to decrease fragmentation of care and barriers to appropriate treatment. Second, the training and education of nurses in basic mental health competencies. This paper argues that nurses are well positioned to help meet the growing need for mental health care in a variety of health care settings. This paper will describe an educational workshop that was part of a plan to incorporate mental health concepts across a Doctor of Nursing Practice curriculum. It is believed that the underlying concepts of this educational model are transferrable to other countries and can serve as a template for improving the ability to identify, treat, and manage mental health care.
Depression is a significant health issue in young women with few assessment strategies for early ... more Depression is a significant health issue in young women with few assessment strategies for early detection. It has been suggested that self-efficacy and vitamin D levels can predict and prevent depression. The authors examined the relationship between vitamin D levels, coping self-efficacy and depression in 77 college age women over three seasons. The results of the repeated measures analysis showed that a strong, inverse relationship existed between self-efficacy and depression but not vitamin D levels. These findings were consistent across the three data collection points. The results implied that strengthening perceived coping self-efficacy may be useful in order to maintain the mental health of young college age women.
The concept of service morphed into service-learning in 1966-1967 when the phrase was used to des... more The concept of service morphed into service-learning in 1966-1967 when the phrase was used to describe a funded project in East Tennessee with Oak Ridge Associated Universities, linking students and faculty with area development organizations. Although the linking of service and learning persisted during the 1970s, most service-learning opportunities took place within the context of youth corps and/or volunteer work. This changed in the early 1980s when national efforts (along with federal monies) helped mobilize service programs in institutions of higher education. This effort resulted in various college-based opportunities for interested students, such as AmeriCorps and the Corporation for National Service. Although service-learning (SL) has been a part of campus life for at least 25 years, SL experiences were not typically linked to specific courses, nor were they integrated into the curriculum of higher education until more recently. Evidence suggests that service-learning as an adjunct to traditional pedagogical methods (e.g., lecture, readings) is gaining momentum and has been implemented across a variety of disciplines and academic settings (National Service-Learning Clearinghouse, 2009).
learning is implemented as a learning strategy in all levels of education. However, there is litt... more learning is implemented as a learning strategy in all levels of education. However, there is little evidence to support its efficacy and influence on student learners and those served, due in part to broad operational definitions and the dearth of empirical evidence. The current trend of including service-learning in the nursing curriculum falls short of evidence-based practice, a valuable pillar in nursing education. The purpose of this systematic review is to review the research that has been conducted on service-learning and to investigate outcomes on nursing students. Suggestions for future research include the development and use of standardized operational definitions. Concepts of interest for measurement and research instruments have been identified. What Is Service-Learning? SL has been defined as an equal and symbiotic relationship between academic study and service, each enhancing the other in teaching students civic responsibilities and producing stronger communities (NSLC, 2011). These SL processes take place within the context of the service setting rather than in the unattached setting of the classroom or isolation of textbook reading. Engaging in service as a civic responsibility is expected to help students gain additional insight into course content as well as provide practical assistance to the served community.
Journal of the Association of Nurses in AIDS Care, 2007
Research has shown that spirituality has a positive effect on mental and physical health; however... more Research has shown that spirituality has a positive effect on mental and physical health; however, few studies have explored the influence of spirituality on purpose in life and well-being in persons living with HIV. This descriptive cross-sectional study was designed to examine the relationship between spirituality, purpose in life, and well-being in a sample of 46 HIV-positive men and women. Spirituality was measured using the Spiritual Involvement and Beliefs Scale-Revised (SIBS-R), purpose in life was measured using the Purpose in Life (PIL) test, and wellbeing was measured using the General Well-Being (GWB) Schedule. Demographic data on gender, age, length of time living with diagnosis of HIV/AIDS, employment status, and religious affiliation were also collected. Spirituality was reported to be significantly correlated with purpose in life (r ϭ .295, p ϭ .049) but not with well-being (r ϭ .261, p ϭ .084). Additionally, the SIBS-R, PIL, and GWB had alpha coefficients greater than .83, suggesting they are reliable and valid measures for this population of HIV-positive persons. The result that spirituality and purpose in life were significantly correlated offers the potential for designing nursing interventions and care delivery approaches that support psychological adaptation to HIV. Further studies with larger and more diverse samples are needed to better understand the role of well-being in healing.
Journal of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association, 2012
Background: Depression is emerging as a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in young adults.... more Background: Depression is emerging as a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in young adults. New biological assessment strategies such as biological markers are needed to more accurately assess for depression in this age group. Vitamin D may present such an opportunity. Objective: A descriptive correlational design with convenience sampling was used to address the research question: Is there a relationship between vitamin D serum levels and depression scores in young adult women? Design: One hundred thirty-nine participants completed a health questionnaire, Beck Depression Inventory, and had serum vitamin D, 25(OH)D, levels drawn. Results: No statistically significant correlation between vitamin D level and depression was identified. Statistically significant differences between African American and Caucasian women were detected on vitamin D levels but not on the Beck Depression Inventory. Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, vitamin D cannot be used as a biomarker f...
Background: Obesity is a critical social and health issue, adversely impacting life expectancy, q... more Background: Obesity is a critical social and health issue, adversely impacting life expectancy, quality of life, and mental health. Minorities are disproportionately impacted by obesity with African Americans experiencing the highest prevalence among minority groups. Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine if a lifestyle program that integrated chair exercises, nutrition and educational counseling, and scripture readings would help under-served obese African American women make lifestyle changes that would positively impact their quality of life, especially mental health. Methods: A repeated measures intervention study was conducted (24-weeks). Weeks 1-12 involved meeting twice a week for a total of 4 h with participants engaged in chair exercises, educational counseling, and scripture readings. During weeks 13-24, the participants were "on their own" but were encouraged to exercise and eat healthy. Focus groups were held at 12 and 24-weeks. Participants were recruited from a nurse managed center and a primary care clinic for the uninsured. Mental health data were collected at baseline, 12, and 24-weeks. The Medical Outcomes Study Short Form Version 2 (SF-36v2) was used to measure changes in mental health. Higher scores indicate better perceived health status. Group scores less than 47 indicate impaired functioning. Findings: 55 women had complete data for all three data collection points, with a mean age of 50 and a mean BMI of 41.2. Repeated ANOVAs detected significant differences on the mental component summary of the SF-36v2: this score improved from baseline (M = 44.1) to 12-weeks (M = 50.7) but decreased at 24-weeks (M = 47.9) (p = .000). The four domains (vitality, social functioning, role emotional, mental health) were also significantly different over the three data collection points. Implications: The findings have significant implications for psychiatric nurses in terms of education, clinical practice, and future research. The study contributed to the participants' mental health through the various group activities including scripture readings, socialization with "like minded" women and structured exercises. These findings offer psychiatric nurses additional tools for effective care.
Journal of Clinical Psychology in Medical Settings, 2022
Integrative approaches in the primary care setting have grown in favor over the past few decades,... more Integrative approaches in the primary care setting have grown in favor over the past few decades, with many interesting findings about the influence of personality disorders on physical health and functioning; however, less is known about how specific pathological personality traits impact patient–provider assessments of physical and mental health. Using the DSM-5 Levels of Personality Functioning Questionnaire-Short Form (DLOPFQ-SF) and Personality Inventory for DSM-5-Brief Form, these relationships were evaluated in a sample of 50 inner-city, low-income patients in a primary care clinic. Point-biserial correlations revealed significant correlations between physical and mental health morbidities, as well as personality pathology and patient response to treatment. Our findings lend further support to describing the relationships between personality pathology, medical comorbidities, and patient response to treatment.
Background: While it is known that migration of registered nurses from Guyana occurs often, littl... more Background: While it is known that migration of registered nurses from Guyana occurs often, little is known about professional nursing issues in Guyana and how these professional issues may influence the decision to migrate. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the role of female nurses in health care in Guyana, their working conditions and salary, the image of nursing in Guyana, and nurse-physician relationships and how these factors may influence the decision to migrate. Methods: Nine female Guyanese nurses participated in a focus group with the authors. The focus group was recorded and transcribed verbatim. Results: Three themes related to nursing professional issues were discussed: low perceived public image of nursing, lack of professional autonomy and poor nursephysician relationships. All participants stated that they know nurses who have migrated from Guyana and that economic issues and desire to join family members who have migrated are the main factors in maki...
Federal practitioner : for the health care professionals of the VA, DoD, and PHS, 2016
There was no association between the demographic variables of age, race, marital status, and educ... more There was no association between the demographic variables of age, race, marital status, and education and respondents' medication beliefs or erectile function in this pilot study.
Introduction: The suicide rate in Guyana was five times higher than the world average in 2014 (WH... more Introduction: The suicide rate in Guyana was five times higher than the world average in 2014 (WHO) which puts Guyana at the top of the list with 44.2 per 100,000 people, the highest suicide rate in the world. For every completed suicide, there are survivors who experience high levels of psychological, physical, and social distress, and report feelings of guilt, shame, social stigma, and search for meaning. Aim: The aim of this qualitative study was to explore how family members coped and understand the suicide of their loved one, and to determine what resources were available to help them during this transition. Method: Ten family members were recruited to participate in a focus group. The focus group lasted approximately 90min and was recorded. The audio recordings were later transcribed. Results: Four overarching themes emerged from the data: (1) perceived causes of suicide, (2) perceived solutions, (3) barriers to helping persons who are suicidal, and (4) personal and community reactions to suicide. Implications for practice: Nurses in Guyana are uniquely positioned to take a leadership role in creating and implementing postvention programs for suicide survivors that are culturally and ethnically relevant. Opportunities to partner with schools of nursing in higher income countries are explored.
The Journal of Behavioral Health Services & Research, 2017
In the last ten years primary care providers have been encouraged to implement integrated models ... more In the last ten years primary care providers have been encouraged to implement integrated models of care where individuals' medical and mental health needs are addressed holistically. Many integrated models use Psychiatric Mental Health (PMH) nurses as case managers and select exemplars use PMH Advanced Practice Nurses (APNs) as providers. However, the potential value of PMH nurses in integrated health care remains unrealized by health care planners and payers, limiting access to services for the populations most in need of comprehensive care approaches. This current situation is partially fueled by insufficient knowledge of the roles and skill sets of PMH nurses. In this paper, the PMH RN and APN skill sets are detailed, demonstrating how effective use of these nurses can further the aims of integrated care models. Finally, outlined are
Guyana, an English-speaking country on the north coast of South America, has the highest suicide ... more Guyana, an English-speaking country on the north coast of South America, has the highest suicide rate in the world. Nurses are an integral part of the healthcare team working with patients experiencing psychological distress and are uniquely qualified to add to the discourse on factors contributing to the high suicide rate in Guyana. The purpose of this study was to explore the attitudes and experiences of nurses and nurse assistants in Guyana related to suicide. Nine registered nurses and nurse assistants who worked at a private hospital in Georgetown, Guyana, were recruited to participate in a focus group. The focus group lasted approximately 70 minutes and was recorded. The audio recordings were later transcribed word for word. Four themes emerged from the data: family issues as they relate to the high suicide rate, suicide attempts as a cry for help, lack of support, and coping mechanisms used by nurses when caring for victims of attempted suicide. Nurses are uniquely positioned...
Depression is one of the most serious mental health comorbidities associated with diabetes. In th... more Depression is one of the most serious mental health comorbidities associated with diabetes. In this pilot study, we describe the associations identified via a cross-sectional survey among demographic variables, depression, self-efficacy, and glycemic control in a primarily minority population (mean age = 57.9 years; n = 30) with diabetes mellitus. Descriptive, bivariate, and correlation analyses were conducted. A significant inverse relationship was detected between depression and self-efficacy; however the relationship between depression and A1C was not significant. The implications of these findings include the need for interventions that regularly screen for depression and self-efficacy in persons diagnosed with diabetes mellitus, especially in the earlier years of diagnosis.
The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence, demographic factors, outcomes, and preven... more The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence, demographic factors, outcomes, and preventative measures for substance abuse among nurse anesthesia students over a 5-year period from 2008 to 2012. An electronic survey was sent to 111 program directors of accredited nurse anesthesia programs in the United States. Twenty-three programs (response rate = 21.7%) reported data related to 2,439 students. Sixteen incidents of substance abuse were reported for a 5-year prevalence of 0.65%. Opioids were the most frequent drug of choice (n = 9). The programs identified no predisposing risk factors in 50% of the incidents. For the students, reported outcomes included voluntary entry into treatment (n = 10), dismissal from the program (n = 7), loss of nursing license (n = 2), and 1 death. Pre-enrollment background checks and drug testing for cause were the most commonly reported screening practices. The most frequently reported prevention strategy was wellness promotion education. The pr...
ABSTRACTTransition into motherhood is generally a joyful life event; for some women, however, it ... more ABSTRACTTransition into motherhood is generally a joyful life event; for some women, however, it is marked by emotional turmoil. Lack of support can be associated with postpartum depression and can compromise both the mother and infant. A descriptive, cross-sectional study (N = 61) was conducted to explore the relationship between social support and postpartum depression and to determine whether mothers overwhelmed with childcare, or overwhelmed with life in general since becoming a mother, sought professional help. The results revealed that screening for depression alone may not be sufficient, that mothers are willing to contact a professional for help in the postpartum period, and that assessments after birth should include a broader assessment of life’s difficulties rather than focusing on childcare responsibilities alone.
Mental health disorders represent a significant burden across all nations with the vast majority ... more Mental health disorders represent a significant burden across all nations with the vast majority of people being undiagnosed and/or undertreated. There is an urgent need to address these mental health disparities and to implement strategies that will improve appropriate diagnosis and treatment at both the local and international level. Two solutions will be discussed in this paper. First, an integrated care model which has the potential to decrease fragmentation of care and barriers to appropriate treatment. Second, the training and education of nurses in basic mental health competencies. This paper argues that nurses are well positioned to help meet the growing need for mental health care in a variety of health care settings. This paper will describe an educational workshop that was part of a plan to incorporate mental health concepts across a Doctor of Nursing Practice curriculum. It is believed that the underlying concepts of this educational model are transferrable to other countries and can serve as a template for improving the ability to identify, treat, and manage mental health care.
Depression is a significant health issue in young women with few assessment strategies for early ... more Depression is a significant health issue in young women with few assessment strategies for early detection. It has been suggested that self-efficacy and vitamin D levels can predict and prevent depression. The authors examined the relationship between vitamin D levels, coping self-efficacy and depression in 77 college age women over three seasons. The results of the repeated measures analysis showed that a strong, inverse relationship existed between self-efficacy and depression but not vitamin D levels. These findings were consistent across the three data collection points. The results implied that strengthening perceived coping self-efficacy may be useful in order to maintain the mental health of young college age women.
The concept of service morphed into service-learning in 1966-1967 when the phrase was used to des... more The concept of service morphed into service-learning in 1966-1967 when the phrase was used to describe a funded project in East Tennessee with Oak Ridge Associated Universities, linking students and faculty with area development organizations. Although the linking of service and learning persisted during the 1970s, most service-learning opportunities took place within the context of youth corps and/or volunteer work. This changed in the early 1980s when national efforts (along with federal monies) helped mobilize service programs in institutions of higher education. This effort resulted in various college-based opportunities for interested students, such as AmeriCorps and the Corporation for National Service. Although service-learning (SL) has been a part of campus life for at least 25 years, SL experiences were not typically linked to specific courses, nor were they integrated into the curriculum of higher education until more recently. Evidence suggests that service-learning as an adjunct to traditional pedagogical methods (e.g., lecture, readings) is gaining momentum and has been implemented across a variety of disciplines and academic settings (National Service-Learning Clearinghouse, 2009).
learning is implemented as a learning strategy in all levels of education. However, there is litt... more learning is implemented as a learning strategy in all levels of education. However, there is little evidence to support its efficacy and influence on student learners and those served, due in part to broad operational definitions and the dearth of empirical evidence. The current trend of including service-learning in the nursing curriculum falls short of evidence-based practice, a valuable pillar in nursing education. The purpose of this systematic review is to review the research that has been conducted on service-learning and to investigate outcomes on nursing students. Suggestions for future research include the development and use of standardized operational definitions. Concepts of interest for measurement and research instruments have been identified. What Is Service-Learning? SL has been defined as an equal and symbiotic relationship between academic study and service, each enhancing the other in teaching students civic responsibilities and producing stronger communities (NSLC, 2011). These SL processes take place within the context of the service setting rather than in the unattached setting of the classroom or isolation of textbook reading. Engaging in service as a civic responsibility is expected to help students gain additional insight into course content as well as provide practical assistance to the served community.
Journal of the Association of Nurses in AIDS Care, 2007
Research has shown that spirituality has a positive effect on mental and physical health; however... more Research has shown that spirituality has a positive effect on mental and physical health; however, few studies have explored the influence of spirituality on purpose in life and well-being in persons living with HIV. This descriptive cross-sectional study was designed to examine the relationship between spirituality, purpose in life, and well-being in a sample of 46 HIV-positive men and women. Spirituality was measured using the Spiritual Involvement and Beliefs Scale-Revised (SIBS-R), purpose in life was measured using the Purpose in Life (PIL) test, and wellbeing was measured using the General Well-Being (GWB) Schedule. Demographic data on gender, age, length of time living with diagnosis of HIV/AIDS, employment status, and religious affiliation were also collected. Spirituality was reported to be significantly correlated with purpose in life (r ϭ .295, p ϭ .049) but not with well-being (r ϭ .261, p ϭ .084). Additionally, the SIBS-R, PIL, and GWB had alpha coefficients greater than .83, suggesting they are reliable and valid measures for this population of HIV-positive persons. The result that spirituality and purpose in life were significantly correlated offers the potential for designing nursing interventions and care delivery approaches that support psychological adaptation to HIV. Further studies with larger and more diverse samples are needed to better understand the role of well-being in healing.
Journal of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association, 2012
Background: Depression is emerging as a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in young adults.... more Background: Depression is emerging as a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in young adults. New biological assessment strategies such as biological markers are needed to more accurately assess for depression in this age group. Vitamin D may present such an opportunity. Objective: A descriptive correlational design with convenience sampling was used to address the research question: Is there a relationship between vitamin D serum levels and depression scores in young adult women? Design: One hundred thirty-nine participants completed a health questionnaire, Beck Depression Inventory, and had serum vitamin D, 25(OH)D, levels drawn. Results: No statistically significant correlation between vitamin D level and depression was identified. Statistically significant differences between African American and Caucasian women were detected on vitamin D levels but not on the Beck Depression Inventory. Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, vitamin D cannot be used as a biomarker f...
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Papers by Carla Groh