College of Nursing
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Item Use of fibrinogen/fibrin degradation products and soluble fibrin complexes for differentiating pulmonary embolism from nonthromboembolic lung disease(American Thoracic Society, 1976) Bynum, Lincoln J.; Halverson, Colleen Crotty; Wilson III, JamesTo help differentiate pulmonary embolism from other lung diseases, we measured the degradation products of fibrinogen and fibrin and soluble fibrin complexes in normal control subjects and patients with pulmonary embolism, lung cancer, pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, tuberculosis, asthma, and several miscellaneous disorders. A separate group of patients, who were suspected of having pulmonary embolism but had negative pulmonary angiography, were also tested. Many nonthromboembolic lung diseases frequently were associated with positive fibrinogenjfibrin degradation products or soluble fibrin complexes, but those with high positivity rates for one test tended to have low rates for the other test. Both fibrinogen/fibrin degradation products and soluble fibrin complexes were positive in 55 per cent of patients with pulmonary embolism but only in 4 per cent with nonthromboembolic conditions (P < 0.001), in 7 per cent of patients with negative pulmonary angiography (P < 0.001), and in none of the normal subjects (P < 0.001). Both tests were negative in only 3 per cent of patients with pulmonary embolism but in 35 per cent of nonthromboembolic diseases (P < 0.005), 54 per cent of those with negative pulmonary angiography (P < 0.001), and 79 per cent of normal control subjects (P < 0.001). The combination of fibrinogenjfibrin degradation products and soluble fibrin complexes is more valuable than either test alone in the diagnostic separation of thromboembolic from nonthromboembolic pulmonary diseases.Item The relationship between patient satisfaction and dissatisfaction with nursing care in hospitalized postpartum and medical-surgical patients(1993-05) Mancuso, Peggy Jean; Hamilton, Patti; Lamers, Kim; Machut, TinaThe purpose of this study was to describe the relationship of satisfaction to dissatisfaction with nursing care among homogeneous patients, represented by postpartum patients, and heterogeneous patients, represented by medical surgical patients of diverse diagnoses, in hospital settings. Data derived from these two samples were used to determine if satisfaction/dissatisfaction is a bipolar concept, or if these two concepts are orthogonal, through confirmatory factor analyses (LISREL). The Revised Risser Patient Satisfaction Scale (54 items, 6 subscales) was distributed to convenience samples of 281 postpartum patients and 263 medical-surgical patients, who had received dismissal orders from their physicians. Data from both samples indicated Cronbach's alpha values ranged from.83 to.96 for the six subscales. Subscale-subscale correlations ranged from.40 to.87. The lower subscale-subscale correlations involved the education subscales. Principle components analysis with varimax rotation indicated a similar three-factor solution for both samples. Factor 1 was composed negative items, and was labeled "dissatisfaction." Factor 2 was composed of positive items, and was labeled "satisfaction." Factor 3 was composed of a mixture of items, and was labeled "mixed behaviors." When principle components analysis with oblique rotation was repeated using data sets which deleted marginal items, Factor 3 disappeared from the homogeneous sample. With the heterogeneous sample, Factor 3 was retained, and consisted of items from the education positive subscale and the trust positive subscale. Multivariate analysis of variance comparing the two samples revealed no statistically significant differences in subscale values. The differences between the education subscales produced the largest F value ($F = 2.642, p = .10$). Confirmatory factor analyses, with sequential model modifications, were performed on data from the two samples. A model of the orthogonal relationship of satisfaction to dissatisfaction (with the technical-professional and trust domains and correlated technical-professional error terms) perfectly fit data obtained from both samples (chi-square = 0, goodness of fit = 1). Confirmatory factor analysis did not support inclusion of the education subscales as a conceptual component of satisfaction or dissatisfaction. The two samples differed in their response to the education subscales. Deletion of the education subscale substantially improved the goodness of fit of the heterogeneous sample model. Correlation of the error terms of the technical-professional subscales substantially improved the goodness of fit of the homogeneous sample model.Item Phenomenologic study: Inner strength in women with breast cancer(1993-12) Roux, Gayle M.; Keyser, Patsy K.; Drapo, Peggy J.; Hughes, OneidaSignificance. This phenomenologic study generated descriptions of inner strength in women with the diagnoses of breast cancer. These descriptions will help nurses devise effective strategies to assist women coping with the demands of living a healthy lifestyle along with the uncertainty of their diagnoses. Breast cancer, as a disease, is widely studied. However, little is known about the development of inner strength and the woman's experiences that includes her conscious reactions to living with breast cancer as part of her health. Theoretical touchstone. Newman's (1986) existing theory of health as expanding consciousness served as a theoretical touchstone for the findings. Newman's theory was particularly useful because it conceptualizes breast cancer as a meaningful part of the health of these women. Methodology. Qualitative research using a postmodern feminist phenomenological approach was utilized for this study. Data were generated using unstructured interviews. Colaizzi's (1978) method of data analysis was used in the study to analyze the audiotapes and written transcripts. A review of scholarly and fictional literature was done after the data analysis. The criteria of rigor commonly associated with scientific inquiry was performed according to Sandelowski's (1986) method for achieving auditability and credibility. Participants. The 18 participants ranged in age from 35 to 72, with a mean age of 52. The time range since diagnosis of breast cancer was 6 months to 20 years. The participants had varied treatment procedures, including lumpectomy, mastectomy and bone marrow transplant. Findings. Based on a qualitative analysis, four themes emerged related to describing the participant's experience of inner strength in living with breast cancer. All of the participants described a feeling process of knowing and accepting they had breast cancer: Coming to Know. This seemed to lay the foundation for them to begin developing the strength needed to live a full and positive life. The participants made statements about their personality characteristics and the manner in which they dealt with things that personified a feisty, positive, playful and reflective self: Strength Within of She Who Knows. Relatedness to others, self and God encompassed the third theme: Connection of She Who Knows. Having supportive family and friends, giving others a chance to show caring, and feeling God's presence were mentioned by the participants. The fourth theme that emerged, Movement of She Who Knows, personified the inner strength moving, exchanging, harmonizing, and facilitating desired change.Item Meeting the challenge of this gender-specific neurodevelopmental disorder(WebMD, 1997) Glaze, Daniel; Schultz, RebeccaRett syndrome (RS) is an incurable neurological disorder that occurs in females. Although the biological basis is unknown, there is substantial evidence suggesting a genetic basis. RS is characterized by an initial period of apparently normal psychomotor development followed by loss of communication skills and purposeful hand movement. Then, hand stereotypies, gait dyspraxia, and deceleration of head growth become apparent. Other problems include growth failure and epilepsy. There is no biological marker for RS; the diagnosis is based on well-delineated clinical criteria. The prevalence of RS is 1:23,000 live female births. Survival to 30-40 years or beyond is the rule rather than the exception. Treatment is both palliative and supportive. A vigorous approach to all aspects of care, including educational, medical, and psychosocial issues, is recommended.Item Arriving at readiness: how women deal with sexual assault(1997-08-30) Symes, Lene; Ragsdale, Diane; Young, AnneFew sexual assault survivors seek the resources developed to help them with recovery from emotional consequences of sexual assault. A lack of knowledge of helpseeking endeavors hampers nurses' efforts to develop strategies for delivering care to survivors. The purpose of this study was to discover the evolving behaviors and processes as women survivors seek help. Using the methods of grounded theory, the process model Arriving at Readiness was developed from data collected during semistructured interviews with eleven women survivors of sexual assault and three other expert informants. Arriving at Readiness illustrates a differing, often lengthy, and potentially beneficial process women survivors of sexual assault follow to heal. Many survivors keep silent to avoid the risk of further hurt unless a Triggering Experience occurs. Responses to calls for help are harming or helping. Hanning responses may begin a cycle of increasingly more dangerous behaviors. Nurses should develop and test protocols that support survivors through the process of arriving at readiness. Education programs are needed to disseminate information about behaviors that may indicate sexual assault and about sources of help for survivors.Item Public abandonment of newborns: Policies and practices in the United States and around the world(The American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children, 2002) Cesario, Sandra K.; Kolbye, Sharon; Furgeson, Evie MichelleStatistics suggest that the incidence of newborn abandonment is increasing. Is this the case, or has the increase in the amount of media coverage of such events given this perception? In actuality, the practice of abandoning newborns shortly after birth has always existed. Occurring in primitive and contemporary societies, this practice has varied motivations that are dependent upon the social norms of a specific geographic region at a given point in time (Rascovsky & Rogers, 1995). Although it is known that such practices exist, no official statistics have been maintained anywhere on the abandonment or murder of infants at or near the time of birth. In addition, no one has any idea of how many babies have faced this demise by being discarded and never found. The purpose of this article is to explore the historical and current practices of newborn abandonment throughout the world. Also, the formation of health policy, social programs, and the legislative process addressing this issue will be discussed.Item An intervention to improve the health of people 60 years and older(2004-12) Mastel-Smith, Beth; McFarlane, Judith M.; Haile, Brenda; Malecha, AnnThis study describes a two-group randomized controlled trial that assessed the effect of a writing intervention, Life Story Workshop, on the perceived health and depression status of people over 60 years of age. A sample of 33 people who met study criteria and signed informed consent were enrolled into the study. The Short Form-12 Health Survey Questionnaire, Physical and Mental Components, was used to assess perceived health. The depression subscale of the Brief Symptom Inventory 18 assessed depression status. Both questionnaires were administered by the researcher before and at the conclusion of the workshop. Participants randomized to the experimental group attended 10, 2-hour, weekly workshops where they were invited to write and share stories about their lives. Mean scores were calculated for the Physical and the Mental Components of the Short Form-12 and the depression subscale of the Brief Symptom Inventory 18. Mean scores were tested using analysis of co-variance (ANCOVA), analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Welch's t test respectively. No significant difference was found in the mean scores of the writing group's perceived health and depression status compared to the control group at the conclusion of the intervention.Item Rapid needs assessments for older adults in disasters(American Society on Aging, 2007) Burnett, Jason; Dyer, Carmel B.; Pickens, SabrinaBecause the challenge for those planning and providing disaster relief efforts is to be able to triage elders who need immediate extra assistance in an efficient and timely manner so as to minimize harm, a rapid and accurate needs assessment could provide specific region-wide information used to educate individuals as to what they need to do in response to a disaster. In this article, the authors highlight the Seniors Without Families Triage (SWiFT) tool used to screen for vulnerable elders with urgent needs in the following realms: cognitive, medical, social service, and activities of daily living.Item Development of violence in men who batter intimate partners: A case study(Tucker Publications (defunct), 2008) Tilley, Donna Scott; Rugari, Susan M.; Walker, Charles A.Intimate partner violence is a serious and pervasive problem with substantial consequences for women's health such as depression, increased suicide risk, chronic pain, and poorer pregnancy outcomes. IPV is not well understood because of the interrelationships of current abuse to past exposure to violence, substance abuse, stressful life events, and other factors. Drawn from a larger study, this case illustrates themes related to development of male violence against intimate partners. Through in-depth exploration of one informants' experiences, these themes provide a partial answer to the question: "Why do men abuse women?" Depression, low self-esteem, and alcohol abuse were major problems for this informant with financial issues creating tension in his marriage. The informant's formative years were a vortex of shame, insecure attachment, unresolved conflicts and abuse. Current approaches for addressing intimate partner violence focus on tertiary interventions. This case study illustrates the importance of primary prevention with men who batter intimate partners.Item Factors that impact the determination by medical examiners of elder mistreatment as a cause of death in older people(National Institute of Justice, 2008) Dyer, Carmel B.; Sanchez, Luis; Kim, Lucia; Burnett, Jason; Mitchell, Stacey; Reilley, Barbara; Pickens, Sabrina; Mehta, MichelleWith medical examiners rarely considering elder mistreatment (EM) as a cause of death due to the possible lack of research and evidence to support this determination, this study was undertaken to begin to develop primary data and a literature base on the forensics of elder mistreatment. The four phases of this study shed light on multiple issues concerning the forensics of elder mistreatment (EM). Phase I results showed that medical examiners infrequently determined EM as a cause of death in older decedents. Phase II results show that while the medical examiners are expert at performing autopsies, interpreting toxicology and determining the cause and manner of death, they are not versed in the standard of care of older persons. Phase III shows that the scene investigation is not necessarily geared to the detection of forensic markers and risk factors for EM and that the training of investigators in the specifics of EM may be helpful. Phase IV showed that cases where dementia was documented or there were skin findings such as pressure ulcers were more likely to be autopsies and were more likely to have been an Adult Protective Service (APS) case prior to the death of the decedent. The four studies show that determination of death due to elder mistreatment is very difficult. There is not the data on forensic markers needed to support the medical examiners assessments, they have little training in geriatric medicine, and it is difficult to evaluate the differences in old age and disease versus EM. In this study a research team conducted four distinct projects to evaluate three aspects of death determination by medical examiners: autopsy or external examination, medical records and toxicology, and scene investigation. These included: (1) a survey exploring the views of medical examiners concerning all three areas of death determination; (2) evaluating scene investigation and medical records and toxicology by studying the medical examiners case conferences and case records; (3) studying the scene investigation; and (4) exploring autopsy and physical examination findings.Item Inner Strength Questionnaire(2009) Roux, Gayle M.; Dingley, Catherine E.Abstract This instrument, the Inner Strength Questionnaire (ISQ), was developed through extensive qualitative and quantitative research on the phenomena of inner strength in women living with chronic health conditions. Drs. Gayle Roux and Catherine Dingley have conducted research over 20 years to improve outcomes for women living with breast cancer and other chronic health conditions through the development of a Middle Range Theory of Inner Strength in Women and the instrument to measure this concept. The theory assumes all humans have the potential and capacity for building inner strength. Research findings indicate inner strength contributes to quality of life (QOL) and is negatively correlated with depression. The Inner Strength Questionnaire (ISQ) instrument items were developed from research findings from five previous qualitative studies. Participants in these studies included women with chronic health conditions such as cancer, heart disease, organ transplantation, and multiple sclerosis. The studies included participants of varied racial background with representation from African American, Asian, Hispanic, and Caucasian women. The instrument is a comprehensive gender-specific measure of inner strength in women living with chronic health conditions. The Inner Strength Questionnaire (ISQ) is unique as it measures women’s inner strengths associated with social, physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of women living with a chronic health condition. Measurement of strengths via the ISQ creates a reliable strategy for nurses and other healthcare professionals to assess patients with chronic health conditions and tailor interventions that facilitate inner strength and enhanced QOL. Psychometric testing of version three of the ISQ was developed from the results of two previous studies for instrument testing. The study sample for the third instrument testing was 281 women with self-reported chronic health conditions including heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and depression. The four factor structure was supported with a total of 27 items with loadings > 0.50. The reliability for the entire instrument (version 4) was 0.91. The instrument takes approximately 10-12 minutes to complete and is at the Flesch-Kincaide reading level of 4th grade. Therefore, it is a quick and reader-friendly measure. Results can be used to plan or test interventions utilized to enhance strength-building health outcomes in women. Measurement instruments used by researchers and clinicians for women living with chronic health conditions are central to advancing nursing science and practice. The ISQ is a public domain instrument. Permission to use the instrument is not required. However, the authors request you email Dr. Gayle Roux at Gmroux@gmailcom and Dr. Catherine Dingley at CDingley@aol.com to assist us in the scientific tracking on the use and reliability of the ISQ in research. Investigators taking the time to share data summaries, scoring ranges, and reliability with Drs. Roux and Dingley will be acknowledged by an official letter for your contribution to the scientific advancement of research.Item “Partnering with seniors for better health”: Computer use and internet health information retrieval among older adults in a low socioeconomic community(Medical Library Association, 2009) Chu, Adeline; Huber, Jeffrey; Mastel-Smith, Beth; Cesario, SandraPurpose: This health communication project measured the psychosocial influences of computer anxiety, computer confidence, and computer self-efficacy in older adults at six meal congregate sites. The adults completed a five-week education intervention, based on Bandura's self-efficacy model, designed to assist older adults in retrieving and evaluating health information resources on the Internet.Item Parental experiences of transitioning their adolescent with epilepsy and cognitive impairments from pediatric to adult health care(2009-12) Schultz, Rebecca; Binder, Brenda; Symes, Lene; McFarlane, Judith M.The objective of this study was to explicate processes that parents of adolescents with epilepsy and cognitive impairments undergo as they transition their adolescent from pediatric to adult health care. The research question was: “What is the experience of parents as they transition their adolescent with epilepsy and cognitive impairments from pediatric to adult health care?” This was a grounded theory study, based on the philosophical underpinning of symbolic interactionism. Theoretical sampling techniques were used to recruit participants from a large urban and suburban community in Southeast Texas. Participants were parents who had experienced transition of their adolescent with epilepsy and cognitive impairments from pediatric to adult health care. The parents were interviewed and audiotape-recorded using a semi-structured interview guide. Data collection and analysis occurred simultaneously following the tenets of grounded theory. Constant comparative analysis was done to identify categories, linkages among the categories were completed, and a final theory was generated. Journey of Advocacy is the substantive theory that was derived from the analysis of the experiences of parents as they transition their adolescent with epilepsy and cognitive impairments from the pediatric to the adult health care system. This theory has five temporally sequenced but interactive categories: crisis sparks transition, parents in turmoil, parents as advocates, web of information, and captive waiting. Transitioning their adolescent was multidimensional in nature and required parents to be strong advocates for their adolescent. Parent feelings of rejection and uncertainty revealed during this study add new knowledge to the field. The findings of this study suggest that the degree of cognitive impairment and total dependence influence the complexity of the transition process more than their diagnosis of epilepsy. This study affirms the need for the development of a transitional program for this group of parents and their adolescent. Moreover, it affirms the need for the development of a program that acknowledges the interrelationship between these parents and the systems they interacted with during this process. Nurses can play a pivotal role in the development and implementation of a transition program.Item Elder mistreatment in the long-term care setting(American Geriatrics Society, 2011) Pickens, Sabrina; Halphen, John M.; Dyer, Carmel B.Elder mistreatment (EM) is a wellknown problem in nursing homes (NHs). Resident-to-resident aggression is the most common form of EM, but facility staff, family members, and other individuals can be perpetrators. As the population of older adults continues to grow, the demand for long-term care services will increase. The presence of more residents in NHs raises the risk for EM, especially if adequate staff-to-resident ratios are not maintained and staff education on EM is lacking. This article provides an overview of the types of EM; discusses reporting of EM; reviews intervention and prevention strategies; and outlines the epidemiology, risk factors, common perpetrators, signs and symptoms, morbidity and mortality risks, and screening and assessment of EM.Item Dietary resource information for the oncology patient: Tips and tools(Journal of the Advanced Practitioner in Oncology, 2012) Madsen, Lydia, T.; Cesario, SandraOncology patients frequently request information about diet, exercise, and a healthy living approach during and after cancer treatment. Although a consultation with a registered dietitian is often the recommendation for patients in large multidisciplinary centers, a same-day consult may not always be available. Alternatively, patients might locate diet recommendations by an Internet search, retrieving diet or supplement information that may not follow established optimal health guidelines. The advanced practitioner is often the most appropriate and available individual able to provide diet and exercise resources and education for patients who request information or require guidance on best practices during treatment. The following information is provided as a concise resource list of books, websites, topics that oncology patients frequently ask about, and briefs that comprehensively address diet and exercise as they pertain to the oncology patient. They each meet the criteria of being readily available to the community and in language that is written for the layperson. There are many additional resources available; this list has been compiled as a small representative sampling of current, scientifically based, patient-directed information to begin or augment a healthful living approach.Item Intervention in long-term care: An interdisciplinary collaborative model abstract(Oxford University Press, 2013) Hersch, Gayle; Birch-Evans, Anlee; Davidson, H.A.; Freysteinson, Wyona; Tsai, Kai-LiThrough this presentation, the team will introduce the audience to the occupation-based, cultural heritage intervention (OBCHI). The uniqueness of this research lies in the successful implementation of an interdisciplinary approach to research including the disciplines of nursing, occupational therapy, and health care administration from Texas Woman’s University, Houston Center. The three major objectives include: 1) report on current findings from a NIH funded OBCHI research study that was developed and implemented for elders relocated to long-term care (LTC) facilities; 2) describe the interdisciplinary approach used in developing and implementing the study; 3) explain a collaborative model that has been utilized in planning future studies. During the presentation the team will highlight the significant findings of improvement in quality of life and social connections from the quasi-experimental nonequivalent control group design demonstrated by pre- and post- tests scores; showcase the perspectives from each of the three disciplines of their contributions to this research; and offer projections for future research studies that describe the cost effectiveness of such interventions by incorporating the OBCHI into current residential staff patterns. This kind of evidence-based knowledge can assist long-term care practitioners in developing more meaningful interventions for elders that provide a person-centered approach during the transition of care.Item Functioning outcomes for abused immigrant women and their children 4 months after initiating intervention(World Health Organization, 2014) Cesario, Sandra K.; Nava, Angeles; Bianchi, Ann; McFarlane, Judith; Maddoux, JohnObjective. To measure the impact of shelter intervention and protection orders on the mental health functioning, resiliency, and further abuse of documented and undocumented immigrant women and their children in Houston, Texas, United States. Methods. A prospective cohort study initiated in 2011 examined a subsample of 106 immigrant mothers, primarily from Mexico and Central America, and evaluated their functioning with a battery of 13 well-established instruments as they accessed either shelter or justice services; followed-up was conducted 4 months later to measure improvement. Data were analyzed with a series of repeated measures 2 x 2 x 2 factorial analysis of variance tests. Results. Large effect size improvements were observed in abused immigrant women’s mental health, resiliency, and safety, regardless of whether the intervention accessed was safe shelter or justice services, and regardless of duration of shelter stay and whether or not a protection order was issued. Similarly, large effect size improvements were observed in child functioning, independent of which type of intervention, the duration of shelter stay, or the issuance of a protection order. Conclusions. Accessing protective services has the potential to improve the health of immigrant women and their children, regardless of documentation status. Global policy for improved access and acceptability of shelter and justice services is essential to promote immigrant women’s safety and to maximize functioning of women and children.Item The role of depression, stress and self-management behaviors on metabolic control in adults with type 2 diabetes(JMRP, 2014) Mbue, Ngozi; Duck-Hee, Kang; Meininger, Janet C.; Young-Mccaughan, Stacey; Nikhil, Padhye; Varghese, George N.; Shank, Thomas C.Background: Individuals with diabetes frequently experience depression and stress. However, studies on the relationship among depression, stress, and diabetes self-management behaviors and their potential contributions to metabolic control in adults, especially in Tricare beneficiaries with type 2 diabetes, have been limited.Item An integrative review of literature regarding health concerns of rural dwelling adolescents(New Prairie Press, 2014) Scott-Tilley, Donna; Roux, Gayle; Liu, Fuqin; Lee, Kyoung-Eun; Ackers, Suzanne; Zeigler, VickiThose living in rural areas face particular risks to health and well-being as they are more likely to be poor, have no health insurance, and have less access to health care. Many obstacles exist in achieving optimal rural health outcomes. Many of the health related issues experienced by adolescents are preventable and are often related to risky behavior such as substance use and abuse, smoking, and unprotected sex. The purpose of this review is to define the current primary health concerns of rural dwelling adolescents worldwide. Based on current research, the primary health related problems of rural adolescents were identified as risky sexual behaviors, mental health issues, violence and bullying, substance and alcohol use, and overweight and obesity. These problems are exacerbated by diminished access to care, peer influences, and parental influences. This integrative review also illustrates many dimensions of health disparities exist in rural areas. When addressing diversity in care models, it is important to consider the rural setting as well as race or ethnicity, sex, and socioeconomic status in designing curriculum and interventions. Globally, evidence based findings are needed to inform curriculum and respond to the health needs of rural adolescents. Programs and rural initiatives for adolescents can decrease the prevalence of established health problems and lower health care expenditures across life spans.Item Characteristics of immigrant abused women who apply for legal status(2014-04-04) Nava, Angeles; McFarlane, Judith M.; Maddoux, John; Montalvo-Liendo, Nora; Gilroy, Heidi; Cesario, SandraBackground: Intimate partner violence and undocumented migration are social and health global issues affecting the wellbeing of women. Purpose: To document the characteristics of undocumented abused women associated with application for legal status and provide evidence for programs to enable abused, immigrant women to obtain legal status. Methods: This study is part of a 7 year prospective study investigating outcomes of 300 abused women who seek help for the first time from safe shelters or the justice system. After informed consent was obtained, women who were English or Spanish speaking, at least 18 year of age, had at least one child between 18 months and 15 years, and who were seeking help for abuse for the first time were entered in the study. For this paper, entry and 16 month follow up data of a subsample of 107 women who reported to be undocumented immigrants and experiencing intimate partner abuse is presented. In addition to demographic information, the interview included the Severity of Violence Against Women Scale, Danger Assessment, Brief Symptom Inventory, Safety Behavior Checklist, Acculturation for Hispanics instrument, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders, General Self-Efficacy, Koci Marginality Index, and Norbeck Social Support measures. Results: There was a significant relationship between acculturation and whether or not a woman had applied for legal status, U = 257, z = -2.61, p = .009. No significant differences were found in the remaining demographic and outcome measures as a function of having applied for legal status Conclusion: It is important to improve paths and eliminate barriers for undocumented women living with violence to facilitate their legal status. In conclusion, understanding the needs of abused immigrant women will help to develop programs and implement policies to ensure the safety and well-being of these women.