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Description
Childbirth, an essential stage of human life, has been carried out and treated differently in numerous ways throughout time. Although the overall method of birth is biologically the same, women and medical professionals in the United States in particular have changed how they view and manage childbirth over the past 70 years. Some of said changes are extensive and occurred more rapidly than one might typically expect for such a delicate and important stage of a woman‘s, and infant‘s, life. As consumerism, capitalism, and the courts have changed America‘s lifestyles, politics, and society, so too have they drastically affected the way we are conditioned to approach childbirth. More importantly, as society changes over time, the medical field and
methods of specialists also change, and although the benefits of these changes are challenged by some individuals, these procedures and recommendations from professionals inevitably affect us all. Methods and procedures of modern, medicalized childbirth, and even the significance placed on the event, are products of historical and cultural factors influenced by scientific and social trends. However, there exists a small and steadily growing number of women and families who choose to have their birth take place outside of the present societal norm, and consequently outside of hospitals. This group‘s existence and growth has been attributed to several factors, including changes in societal values, differentiation between different financial classes, and the
medicalization of childbirth. Although statistically a small percentage of the majority, these women who choose to give birth outside of a hospital exist amidst an immense ongoing controversy between gynecologists, physicians, mothers, and midwives regarding what options should be available when childbirth is undertaken in the United States.
methods of specialists also change, and although the benefits of these changes are challenged by some individuals, these procedures and recommendations from professionals inevitably affect us all. Methods and procedures of modern, medicalized childbirth, and even the significance placed on the event, are products of historical and cultural factors influenced by scientific and social trends. However, there exists a small and steadily growing number of women and families who choose to have their birth take place outside of the present societal norm, and consequently outside of hospitals. This group‘s existence and growth has been attributed to several factors, including changes in societal values, differentiation between different financial classes, and the
medicalization of childbirth. Although statistically a small percentage of the majority, these women who choose to give birth outside of a hospital exist amidst an immense ongoing controversy between gynecologists, physicians, mothers, and midwives regarding what options should be available when childbirth is undertaken in the United States.
ContributorsHernandez, Dustin (Author) / Nguyen, Christy (Author) / Koblitz, Ann (Thesis director) / Budolfson, Arthur (Committee member) / Walker, Shell (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / School of Life Sciences (Contributor) / W. P. Carey School of Business (Contributor)
Created2012-12
Description
Patient-physician interactions are the cornerstone of healthcare delivery, with the potential to significantly influence patient outcomes and healthcare efficiency. The quality of patient-physician interactions is pivotal in facilitating efficient communication concerning patient care and treatment. This relationship impacts the patient's adherence to medical advice and trust in healthcare. Considering the diversity of the patient population, there are a multitude of pertinent variables to take into account, including but not limited to English proficiency, race, educational attainment, age, gender, and socioeconomic status. How do patient-physician communication patterns and demographic variables impact patient comprehension, perception of communication efficacy, and healthcare outcomes across diverse cultural, linguistic, and socioeconomic backgrounds? The purpose of this thesis is to comprehensively understand the characteristics underlying effective patient-physician communication and its impact on patient compliance, retention of medical information, and healthcare outcomes. By addressing racial, cultural, linguistic, and socioeconomic disparities in healthcare, the research aims to establish a universal foundation for augmenting patient-centered care. The methodology of this research included an extensive literature review, shadowing of clinical visits, and patient care, along with the distribution of a survey to patients to gain insight into their satisfaction with healthcare. Practical applications include the development of targeted interventions, communication training programs for healthcare providers, and the formulation of policies aimed at improving patient outcomes and healthcare system efficiency. This research paper investigates the impact of physician attitudes on patient understanding and overall health through a comprehensive analysis of survey data collected from 115 individuals attending various clinics. Our findings highlight the significance of quality healthcare delivery in fostering favorable patient experiences, with 63.5% of respondents rating their visits as excellent or very good. Effective communication emerges as a key determinant of patient satisfaction, with 64.4% of respondents rating communication as excellent or very good. However, a notable proportion of respondents (26.9%) rated their overall satisfaction as neutral or dissatisfied, indicating areas for improvement in patient satisfaction related to unaddressed concerns or inadequate communication. Gender-related concerns, reactive versus proactive medicine, mental health, and shared decision-making emerge as overlooked topics in current clinical practice. Our observations underscore the need for a holistic approach that addresses patients' psychosocial and emotional needs alongside medical concerns. Gender-related differences in care delivery are evident, with female patients reporting feeling dismissed or misunderstood by male doctors, particularly regarding issues related to pain or reproductive health. Female physicians are associated with a greater likelihood of receiving preventive counseling and gender-specific screening, highlighting the importance of gender diversity in healthcare. Furthermore, patients express frustration with a reactive approach to medicine, advocating for a higher focus on addressing the underlying causes of health issues rather than merely treating symptoms. Patients also desire more information about natural remedies and holistic treatment options, emphasizing the importance of incorporating these discussions into shared decision-making between doctors and patients. The study underscores the pivotal role of specific provider qualities such as communication, empathy, and attention to patient comfort in patient-centered care delivery. The comprehension and cooperation rating between the doctor and patient was 81.8% excellent and good with a remaining of 18.2% indicating the need for a more interactive visit. Based on the survey, the important qualities of a provider from highest to lowest ranking include: communication (listening and understanding), empathy and kindness, medical knowledge proficiency, and quality listening. Due to the heavy importance on communication, it is imperative for healthcare providers to gain the necessary skills to cater to and address many of the concerns of their patients outside of simple medical knowledge. Given the doctor explanation comprehension rating of 25.2% being somewhat clear and not so clear, it is necessary for providers to develop their patient communication skills to optimize patient satisfaction and compliance. Cultural competency emerges as a critical aspect of providing effective and equitable care to patients from diverse backgrounds. However, there are limitations to the study, including the relatively small sample size and potential response bias. The findings of this study provide valuable insights into the multifaceted nature of the doctor-patient interaction and underscore the importance of effective communication, patient-centered care, and shared decision-making in promoting positive patient outcomes. According to the patient experience survey, talking more in depth about the patient treatment plan and taking the time to display eagerness to help and be active in one’s health will significantly enhance visit satisfaction. In addition to patients' ratings of physician level of empathy and respect consisting of 93% of respondents as exceeded or met expectations, the patient confidence in their health situation out of 10 was 6 and above for 90 percent of the survey respondents. However, with the shared decision making rating, 28.3% of respondents felt being somewhat involved or a little involved in their own care. By addressing patient needs and preferences and fostering collaborative relationships between physicians and patients, healthcare providers can enhance patient satisfaction, adherence to treatment recommendations, and overall health outcomes.
ContributorsAbdul, Zahir (Author) / La Crosse, Amber (Co-author) / Agu, Nnenna (Thesis director) / Markabawi, Bashar (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / School of Life Sciences (Contributor) / Department of Psychology (Contributor)
Created2024-05
Description
This study examines the complex relationship between depression and students' experiences in active learning science courses. We uncover the significant impact of depression on cognitive functioning, particularly affecting energy levels, motivation, and self-doubt, especially among women. Highlighting the intersectionality of gender and depression, we stress the need to address disparities and bolster confidence in academic settings.
ContributorsClark, Sarah (Author) / Cooper, Katelyn (Thesis director) / Brownell, Sara (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / School of Life Sciences (Contributor) / Dean, The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (Contributor)
Created2024-05
Description
The project investigates the differences in the left and right hemispheres during a sensory gating paradigm in people with dyslexia compared to neurotypicals. The sensory gating paradigm included repeated pure tones, and each response's negative amplitudes during the first and second tones were recorded. It was determined that the response to the second tone can predict the response to the second tone. Still, there was no significant difference between participants with dyslexia and controls in the gating magnitude. There were no significant results when determining if gamma and beta power could predict the level of gating magnitude.
ContributorsBienz, Owen (Author) / Peter, Beate (Thesis director) / Daliri, Ayoub (Committee member) / Kim, Yookyung (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / School of Life Sciences (Contributor)
Created2024-05
Description
The present study was conducted in order to better understand how stuttering appears in bilingual Spanish-English (SE) speakers in Arizona. The primary purpose was to determine whether the frequencies and types of speech disfluencies that are produced by bilingual speakers vary depending on the language they are speaking in. In addition, the study attempted to determine whether there exists a variation of the frequencies or types of speech disfluencies that are produced by a bilingual speaker based on their approximate dominance of the language they are speaking in. For the purpose of the study, two elementary school children (2 boys, 7 and 10 years old), who were identified as diagnosed stutterers by a speech-language pathologist (SLP), were recruited and interviewed for 45 minutes. The two participants were identified as typically fluent in both English and Spanish from conversations with their parents and the pre-interview parental questionnaire in which their level of exposure to and approximate competence in each language was established. The interviews consisted of a speech and reading portion in both English and Spanish, in which spontaneous and non-spontaneous speech data was recorded. The results of the study indicate that there does seem to be a difference in the frequencies and types of speech disfluencies that appear depending on the language that a bilingual individual is speaking in. Additionally, there seems to be a relationship between approximate language dominance and the types or frequencies of speech disfluencies that are produced, however further research is recommended on this topic with a larger sample size of participants.
ContributorsKhakhanova, Anastasiya (Author) / Gradoville, Michael (Thesis director) / Daliri, Ayoub (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / School of International Letters and Cultures (Contributor) / School of Life Sciences (Contributor)
Created2024-05
Description
This study evaluates the level of human papillomavirus (HPV) awareness and knowledge among students and healthcare workers at Arizona State University (ASU). The significance of understanding HPV awareness and knowledge is paramount in the context of global public health as HPV is the most commonly sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the United States and can cause various health conditions, most notably cervical cancer. This study employed an anonymous, cross-sectional survey design to test for HPV awareness and knowledge among ASU students and healthcare workers. It most notably found that while approximately 90% of students are aware of HPV as a potential STI, only 54% are aware that HPV can cause various warts, only 30% are aware that HPV can cause six types of cancers, only 61% have been and/or know someone who has been vaccinated against HPV, and 80% have never been tested for HPV. Data was unable to be collected from healthcare workers on campus due to logistical conflicts with ASU Health Services. Overall, the study showed general awareness of HPV among ASU students but less functional knowledge about HPV, such as the health conditions it can cause, that could play a part in prevention behaviors, most notably with getting vaccinated and tested. While this study is a good start and baseline for ASU, it should be noted that it may not be entirely reflective of the university as a whole due to the majority of participants being white, cis, and female, so future work for data collection and subsequent outreach prevention programs is recommended to be complete.
ContributorsEsquerra, Sebastian (Author) / Quezada, Blanca (Thesis director) / Leaver, Jill (Committee member) / Ackerley, Hunter (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / School of Life Sciences (Contributor)
Created2024-05
Description
The social determinants of drug use are critical factors that influence patterns of substance use across urban and rural populations. This paper explores these determinants by comparing the prevalence and types of drug use within these diverse environments, drawing upon data and insights from recent studies. In urban areas, the variety and availability of drugs, coupled with socioeconomic disparities and cultural diversity, lead to distinct patterns of drug use. Conversely, rural areas face challenges like limited healthcare access and higher rates of prescription opioid misuse, often exacerbated by economic and social isolation. Significant differences in the social fabric between urban and rural settings influence drug use behaviors. Urban environments, characterized by dense populations and a wide array of available substances, report higher incidences of cocaine, heroin, and synthetic drug use. These areas often benefit from more extensive healthcare services but also face challenges such as higher levels of homelessness and crime, influencing substance use patterns. In contrast, rural areas deal with issues such as limited healthcare services and greater social stigma, which can deter individuals from seeking help, thus perpetuating cycles of substance abuse. This study underscores the importance of understanding the social determinants of health as they pertain to drug use. Factors like socioeconomic status, education, age, religion, gender, and sexual orientation play significant roles in shaping these patterns. By addressing these root causes through targeted public health interventions and policies, it is possible to effectively mitigate the impact of drug use across both urban and rural landscapes. This approach not only aids in substance abuse prevention but also ensures that interventions are equitable and culturally sensitive, thereby improving public health outcomes for diverse populations. The findings highlight the need for comprehensive strategies that consider both the unique and shared challenges faced by urban and rural communities in managing drug use. This nuanced understanding is crucial for developing interventions that are not only effective but also inclusive, addressing the broader social and economic dynamics that contribute to substance abuse.
ContributorsBahl, Shivani (Author) / Smith, Lisa (Thesis director) / Daniulaityte, Raminta (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / School of Life Sciences (Contributor) / School of Human Evolution & Social Change (Contributor)
Created2024-05
Description
Extinction of experience is a phenomenon characterized by a decline in people’s contact with nature and impoverishment of local wildlife, which can result in negative changes in human attitudes towards the environment and overall well-being. In this study, I piloted a survey and an interview with my own immediate and extended family members to gain insight regarding specific nature experiences, including the factors that may inhibit such experiences. Through interviews, I found that many respondents were uncertain whether their own backyards counted as a nature space; if so, this significantly impacts their reported frequency and duration or time spent outdoors. The inclusion of yard spaces as nature spaces may therefore be necessary to fully understand the diverse nature experiences of a community.
ContributorsEscobedo, Isabella (Author) / Hall, Sharon (Thesis director) / Minteer, Ben (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / School of Life Sciences (Contributor)
Created2024-05
Description
This project offers a multi-perspective overview of why art matters in ecology. Combining the research of others with my own art and insight from within the academic system, I address the breadth of applications that art has in science education. The goal of this project is to show that creative engagement can foster a sustainable mindset, make science-learning more accessible, and encourage progress in social and environmental justice in an integrative, interdisciplinary way.
ContributorsSvitak, Lo (Author) / Barca, Lisa (Thesis director) / Chew, Matthew (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / School of Life Sciences (Contributor) / School of International Letters and Cultures (Contributor)
Created2024-05
Description
Refugees are considered to be at risk for poorer health outcomes and it becomes important to understand the barriers for these individuals and providers who work with this population. There was no literature specifically addressing the inconveniences refugee providers face in having patients continue long-term medical care. This paper qualitatively investigated barriers to continuing care by looking from the perspective of professionals who work with these populations. Through conducting interviews with professionals within Arizona working with refugees, immigrants, and asylum seekers using guiding questions, qualitative data was gathered on key areas like communication barriers, cultural competency training needs, logistical hurdles, and resource limitations.
The findings reveal that the most significant obstacles faced by providers in achieving continuity of care are related to transferring medical records and referrals, health literacy, data tracking, language interpretation barriers, and transportation limitations. The most common barriers noted were gaps in patient education and health literacy, as well as budgeting and expenditure tracking. In discussion of these barriers, solutions found to be most effective, respectively, are scheduling upcoming appointments in-office, clear after-care visit summaries, community outreach/workshops, centralized tracking documents, and better utilization of cultural health workers.
Organizations working with refugee, immigrant, and/or asylum-seeker populations should consider these insights from providers when developing strategies to improve continuity of care. Though there is still a need to expand research on provider tools to ease long-term care to refugee patient populations, this study shows preliminary evidence of effective approaches that can inform policy decisions in refugee health.
ContributorsAbdullah, Mena (Author) / DeLargy, Pamela (Thesis director) / DiVito, Brittany (Committee member) / Kenny, Katherine (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / School of Life Sciences (Contributor)
Created2024-05