Four researchers from The University of Texas at Austin School of Nursing presented at the Sigma 35th International Nursing Research Congress, held July 25-28 in Singapore.
This prestigious event brought together over 800 nurse researchers, students, clinicians and leaders from around the globe, all focused on advancing evidence-based research. This year’s Congress theme was “Sharing Insights, Advancing Care: Disseminating Nursing Research and Evidence for the Future.”
Heather Cuevas, PhD, MSN, RN, ACNS-BC, FCNS, assistant professor presented on “Associations of Glucose Variability, Cognitive Function, and Diabetes Self-Management in Latino Adults With Type 2 Diabetes,” using baseline data from her research project "Memory, Attention, and Problem Solving-Skills for People with Type 2 Diabetes." Cuevas’ study found that although Latino participants scored lower than non-Latino whites on diabetes self-management and cognitive function tests, both groups exhibited similar patterns: cognitive dysfunction was more strongly associated with increased glucose variability measured through continuous glucose monitors.
“It was a great opportunity to connect with researchers from other parts of the world that I may not have met as easily at other events,” Cuevas said. “I've already been in touch with someone from a university in Australia about a possible collaboration.”
Li-Chen Lin, PhD, RN, CNRN, clinical assistant professor, delivered a PechaKucha presentation titled “Determining Barriers and Facilitators to Medication Adherence within a Limited English Proficiency (LEP) Population.” She also served as a moderator for a session before her presentation. Lin’s research aimed to identify barriers and facilitators to medication adherence among a Spanish-speaking population in a local community. Her findings indicated that family support and a full understanding of medications were key facilitators, while affordability was a significant barrier.
“The in-person PechaKucha presentation was a great way to share my work in a storytelling style with an audience that shares similar interests,” Lin said. “It was an amazing experience to meet scholars from all over the world, especially those from Taiwan at the Sigma booth.”
Kimberly Lewis, PhD ’20, MSN ’12, RN, CGNC, research professional, presented her research on “Social Determinants of Health Affecting Hospital Readmissions for Older Adults with Type 2 Diabetes.” This study, a retrospective chart review conducted at a 400-bed urban community hospital, examined various patient characteristics and social determinants to identify factors contributing to 30-day hospital readmissions. Lewis and her team found that most admissions were cardiac-related, and readmissions were significantly higher among racial and ethnic minorities, women and, unexpectedly, urban residents. Their findings highlight the need for targeted interventions and improved hospital documentation to address health disparities.
“Presenting at Sigma was an extraordinary honor,” Lewis said. “The opportunity to share our findings with a global audience of nursing professionals and researchers not only validates the importance of our work but also fosters international collaboration. It was inspiring to engage with fellow professionals who are equally passionate about advancing nursing practice and improving patient outcomes. This platform allowed us to highlight the critical role nurses play in addressing social determinants of health and advocating for equitable healthcare for all.”
Arielle Warren, BSN student, gave a PechaKucha presentation titled “Investigating Barriers and Facilitators to Wound Care in Sub-Saharan Africa,” as well as a poster presentation on “Enhancing Global Health Education Through Binational Collaboration on Systematic Reviews of the Literature.” Her research focused on challenges in wound care faced by providers in Sub-Saharan Africa, aiming to inform best practices and improve care standards in the region.
“As the only undergraduate attending and presenting at this year’s Congress, I am incredibly honored to have had this opportunity,” Warren said. “Listening to these conversations, I have gained new insights into the expansion of nursing research and roles globally. This Congress has connected me with countless passionate nurse researchers and has been the most defining event of my nursing career thus far. I am incredibly grateful to every mentor and fellow undergraduate researcher who has supported me on this journey to Singapore.”
Founded in 1922 by six nursing students, Sigma has grown to over 100,000 active members and 600 chapters worldwide, spanning countries across the globe. Sigma's members include clinical nurses, administrators, educators, researchers and policymakers, all dedicated to the organization's mission of developing nurse leaders anywhere to improve health care everywhere. With a vision of connected, empowered nurse leaders transforming global healthcare, Sigma is committed to advancing world health and celebrating nursing excellence.