2024 Undergraduate Research Symposium
Our BSN honors students will present their posters at the 2024 Undergraduate Research Symposium on May 17th. Please join us to celebrate the students’ achievements.
When: May 17, 2024, Session 1 (11:00am – 12:30pm)
Where: Mary Gates Hall
For day-of details see:
https://www.washington.edu/undergradresearch/symposium/attendees/
Student Poster Abstracts
Accessible Accordion
- Mentor: Maya Elias, PhD, MA, RN
- Title: Exploring the Roles of Circadian Rhythm and Chronotype on Cognitive Interventions for Older Intensive Care Unit Survivors
- Time: 11:00-12:30
- Abstract: Nearly 70% of older adults hospitalized in an intensive care unit (ICU) experience delirium, a risk factor for long-term cognitive impairment that persists beyond discharge. The severity of critical illness, coupled with the 24-hour care provided in the ICU, is associated with significant disruptions to sleep and the circadian rhythm. These circadian rhythm disturbances, which affect up to 80% of ICU patients, may decrease the efficacy and benefits of interventions to improve cognitive function. Few intervention studies have been conducted testing circadian-based approaches to optimize timing of interventions to prevent cognitive decline in older ICU survivors. The study aims are: 1) to assess the feasibility, adherence, tolerability of morning or afternoon sessions of a computerized cognitive training intervention, and 2) to explore the role of individual chronotype on intervention usability and acceptability in older ICU survivors. Participants are randomized to one of three arms: morning computerized cognitive training sessions, afternoon computerized cognitive training sessions, or usual inpatient care. Participants assigned to the intervention groups complete daily 30-minute cognitive training sessions for up to 7 days or until hospital discharge. Wearable sensors monitor circadian rhythm patterns (via continuous body temperature and activity/sleep), and participants answer a questionnaire to determine their individual chronotype (“morning” versus “evening” circadian preference). Upon study completion, participants provide quantitative and/or open-ended feedback via surveys. We hypothesize that participants whose assigned intervention timing aligns most closely with their individual chronotype will demonstrate higher intervention adherence and will report higher tolerability and acceptability. Data collection is ongoing; results will investigate the potential of circadian-based and chronotherapeutic interventions to mitigate cognitive impairment in older ICU survivors. Additional research is needed to develop personalized interventions that integrate individual circadian rhythm and chronotherapy as targets to accelerate cognitive recovery throughout critical illness.
- Mentors: Basia Belza, PhD, RN, FAAN, FGSA / Sarah McKiddy, PhD Candidate
- Title: The Relationship of Ageism, Aging, and Music on Health: Perspectives of Mandarin-Speaking Elders
- Time: 11:00-12:30
- Abstract: Music interventions are gaining attention due to the evidence they improve health and cognition in elders. In the US, there is an increasing number of Mandarin-speaking elders whose cultural background affects their aging experience. After English and Spanish, Chinese is the third most spoken language in the US. Three and a half million households in the U.S speak Mandarin or Cantonese. However, there is little information regarding specific music choices or culturally tailored music interventions for Mandarin-speaking elders to improve their health and aging experience. The purpose of this study was to gain insights into Mandarin-speaking elders’ views of aging, ageism, and the relationship between music and health. We conducted a qualitative study that involved interviewing Mandarin-speaking elders in Mandarin. The interview consisted of questions related to their cultural perspectives on aging, experience with ageism in the US, and the impact of music on their health. The participants selected music to play during the interview and discussed what the music meant to them and their thoughts on how music affects their health. Four interviews in Mandarin have been conducted to date. Initial findings reveal that filial piety and respect are recurring cultural themes that influence participants’ perspective and experience of aging. Internal ageism was identified in one of the interviews while the participant discussed their experience with ageism. Participants expressed that music benefits their health by providing emotional support and outlet, motivation, reminiscence of the past, brain activity, and stimulation through physical movement such as dance. The findings increase our understanding about the role of culture in the aging experience and music’s role in enhancing health for Mandarin-speaking elders. Future studies can use this information to develop music-based interventions tailored for Mandarin-speaking elders to improve their health.
- Mentors: Basia Belza, PhD, RN, FAAN, FGSA / Sarah McKiddy, PhD Candidate
- Title: The Relationship of Ageism, Aging, and Music on Health in Older Adults from Kenya
- Time: 11:00-12:30
- Abstract: Music is considered a therapeutic tool to improve physical, cognitive, and emotional health. The nature of music varies across cultures and backgrounds around the world. This research project explored the connections between music, aging, and ageism in older adults from Kenya and the therapeutic role of music in improving physical, cognitive, and emotional well-being. This project considers cultural similarities and differences between Kenya and the United States and examines the unique nature shaped by different cultures. In this study, we explore how music affects the perception of age in older adults from Kenya and their perceptions of ageism. This research project focuses on using interpretive research method where data is collected through interviews to gain a deeper understanding of the topic. The study involves three older adults from Kenya between the ages of 60 and 65. The interview questions focus on understanding the cultural influences of Swahili speakers in the context of music and ageism. Through research on the differences in aging between Kenyan and American older adults, this project seeks to identify cultural factors and explore ways that music can enhance well-being among older adults. This project provides valuable insight into cultural aspects that influence aging and the potential benefits of music-based interventions. The findings have the potential to improve our understanding of how cultural differences influence attitudes toward aging and the impact of music on the health and well-being of older adults.
- Mentor: Omeid Heidari, PhD, MPH, ANP-C
- Title: Integration of Substance Use Treatments Into a Primary Care Setting
- Time: 11:00-12:30
- Abstract: Millions of people in the United States of America are suffering from substance use disorders (SUD); of particular concern is opioid use disorder (OUD) due to the high risk of overdose and death. This epidemic is a public health crisis that impacts people in every community. OUD is especially harmful to vulnerable populations who face arduous challenges in accessing treatment. People with chronic pain or complex comorbid conditions, housing-unstable communities, and the under/uninsured are all particularly vulnerable to OUD. Safe and effective medical treatments are available to mitigate overdose risk, but accessing them can be bureaucratically challenging for providers to navigate, which results in the relegation of OUD treatment to separate specialty facilities. This fragmentation of care impedes access and decreases provider follow-up. Substance users seeking help often face undue burdens in the form of strict sobriety requirements or incremental prescriptions necessitating frequent clinic visits. Madison Clinic at Harborview Medical Center provides care for people living with HIV and AIDS. This population is particularly vulnerable to medical stigma and bias, job instability, homelessness, chronic pain, and substance use. Using a qualitative descriptive method, we conducted a thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews to explore the thoughts, opinions, and perspectives of providers at the Madison Clinic and people living with HIV or AIDS using substances regarding the integration of medical treatments for substance use into the primary care setting. Interview transcripts were analyzed through a mix of inductive and deductive coding. Ideally, this integration would help remove barriers and alleviate the complexity of coordinating fragmented care. We anticipate co-locating routine care and treatment for opioid use simultaneously may lead to better adherence to medication regimens and increased patient and provider satisfaction with care. This research will influence the creation of a healthcare model for integrating substance use treatment into primary care settings.
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- Mentors: Allison R Webel, RN, PhD, FAAN / Vitor Oliveira, PhD
- Title: Improving Body Composition Through Exercise Interventions in Older People with HIV
- Time: 11:00-12:30
- Abstract: As healthcare advances, older people with HIV (PWH) have a longer life expectancy. Biotechnological advancements, such as antiretroviral therapy (ART), suppress HIV replication, resulting in decreased mortality among PWH, while increasing quality of life. However, despite these advances, older PWH generally experience an earlier onset of comorbidities due to increasing age, increased adiposity related to HIV medications and sedentary lifestyle, poorer physical function, and high symptom burden. Physical activity is a significant non-pharmacological approach to mitigate chronic disease in older adults and promote healthy living. Among different physical activity types, exercise can be defined as structured and repetitive bodily movement, objectively improving or maintaining physical function. Exercise can take many forms and be performed at different intensities. HEALTH Study participants perform continuous moderate exercise (CME) of walking or jogging at 50% of heart rate (HR) or high-intensity interval training (HIIT) of alternating short intervals of high- and low-intensity aerobic exercise at 80-90% and 50% HRmax. Healthy aging among PWH includes decreased fatigue, greater functional mobility, and fewer symptoms of HIV and its related treatments. What is unknown, and currently investigated in the HEALTH Study, are exercise types to improve physical health outcomes in older PWH. This study aims to explore the relationship and associations between exercise interventions on body composition across older PWH participants. In this year-long undergraduate research project, we conducted a secondary data analysis to compare the effectiveness of exercise interventions, HIIT versus CME, on DEXA scan outcomes of body fat and bone density in older PWH. DEXA scans are medical imaging x-ray tests to quantify body composition. We anticipate that with increased physical activity, especially in HIIT participants, body fat will decrease, and bone density and lean mass will increase. These findings may indicate how exercise interventions can mitigate fatigue and provide recommendations to prompt healthy aging in older PWH.
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