2020 Abstracts

Thatcher, Spencer; Eyere, Gloria (Dixie State University)
Faculty Advisor: O'Brien, Erin (College of Science, Engineering, and Sciences; Biological Sciences Department)

Dwarf bear-claw poppies (Arctomecon humilis Coville) are an endemic species of wildflower in Washington county Utah. These poppies only flower for about a month during the summer. There are currently seven known locations where these poppies are found. Conservation efforts to protect these populations includes research to understand the reproductive success of each site. Populations with low reproductive success may indicate the need for additional efforts or interventions to save this unique species. Four specific locations were monitored over a three-year period. Poppies in these areas were tagged and studied during their flowering seasons and individual inflorescences were bagged and collected to determine struggling locations and their correlating issues related to population decline. Seeds were split into two groups: immature and mature and were weighed and counted. A large percentage of immature seeds may indicate a resource or pollinator issue for the population. A low overall seed production may indicate that a resource limitation or other stressor is reducing the population viability.

Caten, Reilly; Valentine, Julie; Miles, Leslie (Brigham Young University)
Faculty Advisor: Valentine, Julie (Brigham Young University, Nursing); Leslie, Miles (Brigham Young University, Nursing)

In the United States, there is a push to mandate submission and testing of all sexual assault kits. A typically-overlooked benefit of testing sexual assault kits is the exoneration of wrongfully accused suspects. Sexual assault kits include DNA samples from the victim of sexual assault, and occasionally are submitted with DNA samples collected from the identified suspect for comparison. Inclusion of suspect samples is beneficial because it can lead to a DNA match with samples collected from the victim or exclude the suspect as the source of DNA. For a sexual assault kit to meet the criteria for "excluded the suspect" a DNA profile had to be developed from analysis of the sexual assault kit evidence which excluded the named suspect with submitted DNA sample.

A large retrospective study of 2,727 sexual assault kits with completed DNA analysis found 66 cases in which DNA findings excluded the suspect. Findings will be presented on descriptive data on cases in which the named suspect was excluded: relationship between victim and suspect, victim loss of consciousness/awareness at time of assault, alcohol/drug use during the assault, suspected drug-facilitated sexual assault, and multiple perpetrator sexual assault. Each of these cases excluding a suspect represents an individual who was erroneously identified, but DNA analysis findings excluded the identified suspect.

Testing sexual assault kits uses science to aid in the establishment of justice. Sexual assault kit testing transcends accusations and labeling to provide factual evidence supporting the claims of the innocent, whether they are identified as victim or suspect. Additionally, the liberation of an unjustly accused suspect promotes the correct identification and conviction of the responsible perpetrator. Thus, mandated testing of sexual assault kit promotes justice for victims of sexual assault and innocent suspects alike.

Smith, Hayden; Leavitt, Steve (Brigham Young University)
Faculty Advisor: Leavitt, Steve (College of Life Sciences, Biology)

Brigham Young University's Lichen Air Quality Biomonitoring Program (Herbarium of Non-Vascular Cryptogams) represents one of the largest and longest-running lichen biomonitoring programs worldwide, with nearly 500 permanent reference plots distributed across the Intermountain West. At each reference site, sensitive indicator lichens are selected for elemental analyses of 25 potential pollutants, with the aim of subsequent resampling every five to 15 years for ongoing evaluations of ecological health. Using elemental analysis (EA) data from the past 30 years, a model for large-scale monitoring has been developed with the aim to (i) improve interpretation of air quality using lichen bioindicators, (ii) establish a framework to integrate future EA samples for comparison to historical data, and (iii) develop a platform in the future to more effectively share these data with land management agencies, research groups, and the broader public. The model will be field-tested with new EA samples collected along the Wasatch Front.

L'Ecuyer, Katia (Utah Valley University)
Faculty Advisor: Gazdik Stofer, Michaela (Utah Valley University, Microbiology)

Streptococcus agalactiae most commonly known as Group B streptococcus (GBS), are encapsulated gram-positive bacteria encountered in approximately 15-40% of pregnant women's urogenital and gastrointestinal tracts. While most women are asymptomatic, GBS colonization of newborns as they pass through the birth canal can lead to sepsis. GBS bloodstream infections are the leading cause of mortality and morbidity amongst infants in the United States. In recent years, several studies have examined the benefits of oral probiotics to promote a healthy vaginal flora and assessed the inhibitory activity of lactobacilli against urogenital pathogens, with mixed results. The purpose of our research is to examine the effect of Lactobacilli on the growth of different GBS serotypes in the vaginal environment using in vitro culture competition experiments. Previously published microbiome studies were used to determine the dominant species found in the vaginal microbiota. We are examining the growth rate of GBS when co-cultured with vaginal microflora species, both individually and as a mixed community. This will provide a baseline regarding what strains of GBS could easily colonize the vagina in high levels when in competition with different normal flora communities. Different species of probiotic Lactobacilli will then be added to the vaginal culture collection to examine if there is an effect on GBS growth. Our goal is to identify probiotic species that prevent or slow the growth of GBS in a vaginal community.

Small, Christina; Obray, J Daniel; Steffensen, Scott (Brigham Young University)
Faculty Advisor: Steffensen, Scott (Family, Home, and Social Sciences; Psychology)

Recent studies have shown that administration of dopamine in the periphery (outside of the brain) produces a robust enhancement of dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens and alleviates cognitive deficits associated with schizophrenia-like and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)-like phenotypes in rodent models. Despite this, the mechanism whereby peripheral administration of dopamine produces these effects is unknown as dopamine does not cross the blood brain barrier. Activation of dopamine 2 receptors on circulating leukocytes encourages extravasation and can trigger production and release of cytokines such as TNF-_ and IL-10 as well as IL-1_. IL-1_ and IL-10 are both known to enhance dopamine release. In this study we demonstrate that the effects of intravenous dopamine on dopamine release in the NAc are mediated by peripheral dopamine 2 receptors. Additionally, we show that intravenous dopamine is rewarding and that these rewarding effects can be blocked by antagonism of peripheral dopamine 2 receptors. As many drugs of abuse enhance plasma dopamine levels this research elucidates a secondary pathway which may play a role in the development of substance use disorders.

Rawson, Kaden; Nueberger, Travis; Looper, Ryan; Sebahar, Paul; Williams, Dustin (University of Utah)
Faculty Advisor: Williams, Dustin (Engineering, Bioengineering)

Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) is commonly used to treat high energy, traumatic battlefield-related injuries, typically caused by an explosion. NPWT may be applied in the field at the time of injury or in the operating room as a therapeutic measure. Wounds are susceptible to contamination from the soil, which contains high amounts of bacteria (>10^9 colony forming units (CFU)/g of material). Greater than 99% of wild-type bacteria favor the biofilm phenotype in the natural world. Biofilms are aggregates of bacteria that are more resistant to traditional antibiotics due to their altered phenotypic and metabolic expressions. Thus, developed biofilms can potentially contaminate these wounds and lead to chronic infection. Furthermore, the lattice structure of polyurethane (PU) foam used in NPWT can potentially harbor and encourage increased biofilm growth. Since the introduction of NPWT as a standard of care for soldiers in 2004, "superficial and deep infections of soft tissue remain a clinical concern after sustaining combat-related trauma [while] using NPWT." To date, GRANUFOAM Silver by KCI is the only variation of PU foam for NPWT that possesses any degree of antimicrobial efficacy. However, silver nanoparticles are minimally effective against biofilms. Thus, the goal of this project is to develop a PU foam that is loaded with a biofilm-specific antimicrobial compound, CZ-01179 in order to decrease the rate of infection when NPWT is utilized in the field of battle.

To date, two prototypes have been developed: One prototype (V1) relies on THF and H2O to coat the Pu foam with CZ-01179 while the second prototype (V2) relies on a hydrogel scaffold to provide a sustained release of CZ-01179 over 24 hours. V1 has been shown to reduce MRSA AND A. baumanii by 7 Log10 CFU during in vitro dilution testing compared to a 1 Log10 reduction produced by GRANUFOAM Silver.

Lauren Schagel; Julie Valentine; Leslie Miles (Brigham Young University)
Faculty Advisor: Valentine, Julie (Brigham Young University, Nursing); Miles, Leslie (Brigham Young University, Nursing)

Question: What is the impact of time between assault and evidence collection on the development of CODIS eligible DNA profiles?

Learning Overview/Synopsis: After attending this presentation, attendees will understand the length of time between sexual assault and evidence collection can be extended to five to six days post-assault and develop an eligible STR DNA profile.

Impact on the Forensic Science Community: This presentation will impact the forensic community by providing individuals with knowledge about the length of time in which victims can receive a sexual assault forensic examination (SAFE) to obtain a DNA profile of their perpetrator.

Synopsis/Abstract: The methodology of the study is an exploratory, retrospective design of over 2,700 submitted and analyzed sexual assault kits from a Mountain West state in the United States. Review of the current literature on time between assault and evidence collection indicate male DNA (Y-STR DNA) can be recovered up to 7 days post-coitus from a cervico-vaginal swab and develop a Y-STR profile.

Findings: In our large-scale, retrospective study of 2,727 sexual assault kits, probative STR DNA CODIS eligible profiles were developed in 39% of kits. Generalized estimating equation (GEE) logistic regression analysis found that for every 24 hours that passes between assault and SAFE, there is a 10% reduction in the development of a CODIS eligible DNA profile. The longest length of time between assault and exam and development of CODIS eligible profile in our study was 122.5 hours, over 5 days. This finding supports the testing of DNA samples collected five to six days post sexual assault due to the possibility of developing a CODIS eligible profile.

Conclusion: This retrospective study is impactful due to large-scale of the sample size. The 2,727 sexual assault kits used in this study are representative of what sexual assault looks like in modern society.

Perriton, Kiersten; Eppley, Sydnie; Young, Colleen (Utah Valley University)
Faculty Advisor: Jensen, Francine (Utah Valley University, Nursing)

Purpose: To determine the preparedness of new graduate nurses to practice after completion of nurse residency programs.

Background: New graduate nurses often feel anxious, concerned or ill prepared to practice as nurses on their own. New graduate nurses worry if the residency program has prepared them for their first nursing job sufficiently for them to gain enough confidence and skill to be on their own. Studies on nurse residency programs show that nurses who complete one-year nurse residency programs had remarkable increases in communicating with family, patients and team members, confidence in skills, and ability to prioritize and organize work. There is a need for continued education, such as nurse residency programs and an active interest in new graduate nurses, such as involved mentors or preceptors to help strengthen clinical reasoning and preparedness of new graduate nurses. Stress in new graduate nurses can impede patient safety and can result in the new nurse quitting the position. When new graduates have designated mentors, fit well with unit socialization, and are oriented to multiple areas, it has been identified that it can build their confidence levels and improve retention rates of new graduate nurses. Nurse residency programs need to provide high quality orientation to help them master their careers.

Significance: This research can give insight into whether the implementation of nurse residency programs helps new nurses feel ready to practice on their own. This information may help provide increased safety and quality of care to patients due to new graduate nurses feeling competent and confident to carry out the patient's health care plan. This can help healthcare companies determine if current programs are effective and what needs to be changed. New nurse graduates may gain confidence, practice with increased patient safety, and corporations may retain the new nurses they have just trained.

Peter J. Reschke, Laura M. Padilla-Walker, Laura A. Stockdale, Chicago Kylin Cox, Hailey Holmgren, Jeffrey L. Hurst, Kjersti Summers, Sarah M. Coyne, Gyuyi Kang (Brigham Young University)
Faculty Advisor: Reschke, Peter (Family, Home, and Social Science; Family Life)

After the first birthday, infants begin to help and share (Dunfield, 2014). However, there is little known about infants' selectivity in helping and sharing and whether these behaviors emerge due to socialization influence or natural tendencies. In this study, 230 infants (109 female, Mage= 1.47 years, SD =.27. Range = .95 years to 2.19 years) were randomly assigned to one of two conditions: (1) Instrumental helping (caregiver) and sharing (experimenter) or (2) instrumental helping (experimenter) and sharing (caregiver). Infants observed a target person (caregiver or experimenter) demonstrate a need (dropped pen = instrumental need; lack of sticker = material desire). Infants were given 60 seconds to respond and their prosocial behaviors (e.g. returning the pen, sharing stickers) were coded using a 5-point scale (see Vaish et al., 2009). Infants engaged in significantly more instrumental helping behaviors (M = 3.37) than sharing behaviors (M = 2.23) t(144) = 7.85, p < .001, 95% CI [0.85, 1.42], d = .87. Infants were also significantly more prosocial toward caregivers (M = 3 .22) than strangers (M = 2 .38). Infants helped the caregiver (M = 4.09) significantly more than the stranger (M = 2.65), t(310) = 7.49, p <.001, 95% CI [1.06, 1.81], d = 1.17. However, infants' sharing towards the caregiver (M = 2.35) and stranger (M = 2.11) did not differ, p =.32, 95% CI [-0.23, 0.71], d = .16. These results suggest that infants are selective in their helping behaviors but not their sharing behaviors in the second year of life. A multidimensional framework of prosocial development will be discussed.

Hyman, Rachel; Light, Tim; Montague, Angela; Lucero, Jessica (Utah State University)
Faculty Advisor: Lucero, Jessica (College of Humanities and Social Sciences; Sociology, Social Work and Anthropology Department)

Refugees are recognized as having unique and complex health needs which demand attention upon arrival and throughout the resettlement process (Agrawal & Venkatesh, 2016). Refugee populations are particularly vulnerable to health disparities due to push factors influencing forced migration (Tempany, 2009). These factors include exposure to political violence, natural disasters, and other forms of anthropogenic conflict (UNHCR, 2014). Refugees may arrive in the host country with undiagnosed and untreated health issues, such as infectious diseases, mental distress due to prior traumas, undiagnosed chronic illness, and nutritional deficiencies (Deen & Bridges, 2011). Refugee populations represent high rates of mental and physical health problems compared with the host population (Kirmayer, Gomez-Carrillo, & Veissi�re, 2017). Additional dynamics compound health disparities facing refugees. These include: language barriers, unfamiliarity with a complex health care system, limited health literacy, and inadequate alignment of medical treatments with religious and cultural beliefs (Bowen, 2001; Brown, Carroll, Fogarty, & Holt, 2010). Though there is robust scholarship in the literature and analysis of prevalent health disparities and needs of refugees post-resettlement, few studies address the specific health care concerns of refugees resettled in northern Utah. This study seeks to expand previous findings related to the most salient health care issues facing the refugee community and develop community response to address health disparity. A secondary aim of the research is to determine best practices for the provision of appropriate and effective health services.

Miles, Leslie; Valentine, Julie (Brigham Young University)
Faculty Advisor: Miles, Leslie (Brigham Young University, College of Nursing); Valentine, Julie (Brigham Young University, College of Nursing)

1 in 10 adolescents (13-18 years old) reported sexual violence in the dating environment with a prevalence rate of 14% among girls and 8% among boys (Wincentak et al., 2017). Additionally, Arliksson-Schmidt et al. (2010) found that adolescent girls with a physical disability or long-term health problem were more likely to experience sexual violence (p=.003). The current literature is limited on describing the characteristics and vulnerabilities of adolescent sexual assault patients. Researchers have found multiple negative sequelae in adolescents who have been sexually assaulted, which includes the following; major depressive disorder, suicide risk, agoraphobia, alcohol abuse & dependence, and substance abuse & dependence (Walt et al., 2014).

To better understand adolescent patients and to guide nursing care, a large (n=5,600) retrospective chart review of SAFEs documentation (2010-2018) examines adolescent descriptors (age 14-18) in a Western state in the United States. Variables include gender, race, age, relationship to suspect, online meeting, pre-existing medical conditions, pre-existing mental illness, previous history of sexual assault, number of non-anogenital injuries, number of anogenital injuries, alcohol and drug use, multiple suspects, and suspect actions (violent physical acts). Comparisons to patients over the age of 18 years will be provided.

The purpose of this podium presentation is to review research findings concerning the demographics and characteristics of adolescents seen for sexual assault forensic examinations to better inform health care professionals. Discussion will include possible medical and nursing interventions to mitigate the potential harmful effects of adolescent sexual assault.

Greaves, Aspen ; Allison, Jim (Brigham Young University)
Faculty Advisor: Allison, Jim (Family, Home, and Social Sciences; Anthropology)

Portable x-ray fluorescence (PXRF) analysis is a quantitative measure of the presence of an element. Elements from painted red ware sherds from the San Juan region were measured on painted and non-painted portions of the sherds, demonstrating the presence of elements in the paint as opposed to the paste. In particular, manganese, lead, and copper, along with a more ubiquitous iron, were found in the paint. The presences of manganese indicates the intention for the paint to be black when fired, a useful tool in identifying sherds. At Site 13 (42sa13) for example, which was burned, the sherds can appear to be Abajo red-on-orange when they may better be described as Bluff black-on-red. Lead and copper are a bit less straight-forward. Lead appears rarely, and may have no purpose, or could be an intentional sourcing choice. Another question comes from the presence of copper, which may have created a turquoise paint pre- firing. Turquoise is an important color in Pueblo color theory, and so if copper does create a turquoise paint, the presence of copper may be deliberate. Variation in paint, particularly crossed with neutron activation data, leads to a firmer understanding of decisions inherent in the ceramic creation process.

Christensen, Kate L.; Hinkson Jr, Kent D.; Brooks Malisa M.; Bryan, Craig J.� (Utah Valley University)
Faculty Advisor: Hinkson Jr, Kent (Utah Valley University and University of Utah, Psychology); Brooks, Malisa (University of Utah, Psychology)

Among the staggering rates of sexual assault, little attention has been directed towards the specific risk factors involved with coercive sexual assault. The few studies that have been conducted focus solely on college campuses. Studies have found that the potential risk factors between forced sexual assault and coercive sexual assault are fundamentally different. While forced sexual assault is associated with environmental risk factors such as alcohol, coercive assault risk factors have a stronger relationship with the victim's level of depression and self-esteem. Though depression and low self-esteem can affect people for a variety of different reasons, age tends to be a reliable predictor of both of these risk factors. Depression and low self-esteem have some of the highest rates among teens and young adults. When focusing on the Military, we see depression rates higher than that of the general public, with similar patterns of teenagers and young adults (18 to 25) being the most affected. With the knowledge that depression and low self-esteem are risk factors in coercive sexual assault and knowing an age group that is more likely to be depressed and struggle with esteem, we should expect to see a relationship between age and being a victim of coercive sexual assault. In a survey consisting of veterans, age had a mild relationship with coercive rape, with younger people being more susceptible and their older counterparts holding less risk. When focusing on other distinctions of sexual crimes such as harassment, assault, and rape, age was not found to be a risk factor. Knowledge of the relationship between coercive sexual assault and age carries important implications, particularly in the form of education and support. Leaders armed with this data can inform young people of this potential risk, provide preventative strategies, and recommend therapy or support groups when necessary.

Davis, Justin; Hinkson, Kent; Brooks, Malisa; Bryan, Craig (University of Utah)
Faculty Advisor: Hinkson, Kent (University of Utah, College of Social and Behavioral Sciences)

Emotion Regulation is broadly defined as a person's ability to modulate or maintain emotional states in order to achieve a goal. Evidence is mounting that among veterans, emotional regulation is a critical and core component directly related to veterans' abilities to work through clinical protocols for PTSD and suicidality, transition to civilian populations, reintegrate with families, and to experience overall well-being. Several academic, research, and governmental organizations have undertaken the tasks associated with understanding causal and correlative factors associated veteran suicide, and in the milieu this endeavor has shed light on suicidal phenomena more broadly applicable to general populations. As such, clinicians, researchers, and the general public have a stake in understanding emotion regulation in ways that inform development of normative mental health and various etiologies and courses of psychopathology. More specifically, among student veterans with PTSD, emotional dysregulation has been associated with greater psychological distress and higher rates of health-risk behaviors such as binge-drinking, drinking and driving, and physical aggression. Current research shows a moderate inverse relationship between the experience and expression of joy and Criterion D (negative alterations in cognitions and mood) of PTSD such that positive affective experiences may be suppressed or attenuated in those student veterans who endorse moderate to severe symptoms. This emotional reticence, whether personal or public, is likely to reinforce avoidant behavioral schemas, contributing to and maintaining the emotional dysregulation sequelae of PTSD well after military service and into the future across many contexts. The main aim of this study was to better understand and conceptualize the relationship between negative alterations in cognition and mood and emotion regulation among trauma-exposed veterans. This understanding will help support future research, screening, and prevention programs for PTSD and suicide along with conceptualization and application of emotion regulation intervention protocols in clinical veteran populations.

Brooksby, Austin; Meyer, Jake; Rentschler, Lucas; Spofford, Robbie (Utah State University)
Faculty Advisor: Rentschler, Lucas (Jon M. Huntsman School of Business, Economics and Finance Department)

The ultimatum game is a common experimental economics game done in pairs in which one person chooses a way of dividing a sum of money, and then proposes that split as an ultimatum to the other: Either accept it, or we both walk away with nothing. In theory, equilibrium play would indicate everyone should accept any split they're offered-regardless of the equity-but the experimental economics literature robustly rejects that theory. Smith and Wilson's 2017 paper "Equilibrium Play in Voluntary Ultimatum Games: Beneficence Cannot Be Extorted" produced results different from the vast literature, by making game participation voluntary within the lab. We attempted to replicate Smith and Wilson's results, but failed to do so. The most notable difference between our experiments was our subject pool, so we ran additional trials of the standard ultimatum game and confirmed our subject pool was not significantly different than the general literature. Our paper provides a great example of the importance of replicating results in the social sciences, in addition to a specific contribution to the ultimatum game literature.

Maw, Madison (Brigham Young University)
Faculty Advisor: Nuckols, Janis (Brigham Young University, Linguistics); Thompson, Gregory (Brigham Young University, Anthropology)

In Ecuadorian Quichua culture people do what they can do to avoid being described as quilla—a behavior encapsulating both laziness and sexual promiscuity. Many of their myths revolve an individual who encapsulates one or both parts of quilla, the tale of Wituk and Manduru included. These behaviors are ones that estrange an individual from their family ties, which is a keystone motor of Quichua society. These myths, being origin stories, always end up with the person transforming into a part of nature, usually an animal or plant.

Wituk and Manduru's tale is one of the longer myths as well as one of the only that demonstrates both aspects of quilla so clearly. However, while it depicts what is considered the worst traits, it also demonstrates how to redeem oneself. At the end of the story the sisters transform themselves into trees that produce pods that when mashed create red or black paint. The girls use this to paint the men who they interacted with in their journey into more productive animals.

This paper will explore the implications this story has in modern life for the Quichua people, women in particular. The paint of these trees is highly important in all realms over which women preside, including pottery, beauty, and maintaining the chagra (in simplistic terms, a garden). The paint is used in a transformative and representative way, making the ritual plant grow stronger and allowing women to harness the power of animals around them, just to name a few. Women are able to use this plant to transform themselves and those around them in order to make a better society overall.

Miller, Roxanne; Winzenried, Eric; Everett, Anna; Edwards, Jeffrey (Brigham Young University)
Faculty Advisor: Edwards, Jeffrey (Life Sciences, Physiology and Developmental Biology)

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a complex anxiety/depression disorder that affects about 1 out of 4 individuals after a stressful/traumatic experience. One common model to induce PTSD is social defeat (SD) combined with chronic light exposure in rats. First, more naturally anxious rats were selected based on results of an open field test where cat fur and fox urine were placed in one quadrant. Rats were classified as anxious if they avoided that quadrant, froze for long periods of time, did not rear, and frequently urinated or defecated. The naturally anxious rats were used in the SD protocol. Next, the elevated plus maze (EPM) and light-dark transition (LDT) tests were used to detect anxious behavior at the conclusion of SD. The SD protocol caused significant anxious behavior when compared to controls. Next, we performed LTP field electrophysiology experiments in brain slices of ventral hippocampus and basolateral amygdala, regions known to have altered plasticity in PTSD. SD caused a significant increase in long-term potentiation (LTP) in the ventral hippocampus and basolateral amygdala. To determine whether a prophylactic treatment could prevent the physiological changes of PTSD, propranolol and mifepristone were simultaneously administered at 10 mg/kg doses by intraperitoneal (IP) injection one week prior and during the entire duration of SD. These drugs significantly decreased LTP in the VH and BLA back to near-control levels while SD rats with vehicle injections still had elevated LTP.

Salas, Norma; Condie, Kali; Cook, Lauralee (Utah Valley University)
Faculty Advisor: Jensen, Francine (Utah Valley University, Nursing)

Problem Statement:

Depending on the provider a woman has during her delivery, the education, interventions, and care she receives will differ. Variations of care under an obstetrician and gynecologist (OB/GYN) compared to a midwife may produce differing satisfactory results for women experiencing labor and delivery.

Purpose:

The purpose of this research study is to discover if women who have delivered with both an obstetrician/gynecologist and a midwife are more satisfied with their birthing experience under the care of one provider compared to the other.

Research Question:

Are women who have experienced labor and delivery with an OB/GYN and a midwife more satisfied with their birthing experiences from one provider compared to the other?

Background:

In a patient-centered world, it should be up to the provider and expecting mother to choose the modality of delivery they would like, including the place, medical interventions, positioning, and methods of delivery. OB/GYNs and Midwives vary in practices, and implementations during gestation and delivery. Dissatisfaction with labor and delivery is an aspect of the current healthcare industry that needs to be addressed in order to improve patient care. Coxon, Sandall, and Fulop highlight this issue by pointing out that many women feel constrained with their decisions regarding labor and delivery and that delivery opportunities may be limited due to influences from cultural and historical associations as practiced by the provider (2014). Patient satisfaction is also influenced by pressures women in labor and delivery experience in order to accommodate their providers wishes.

Hope to accomplish:

We hope to determine if women's satisfaction during their labor and delivery experiences are higher with either a midwife or an obstetrician/gynecologist, as well as to promote better education and patient autonomy to increase patient experience satisfaction.