Faculty and Staff Profile

Zahra Rahemi

Educational Background

Ph.D Nursing
Florida Atlantic University 2017

MSN Nursing
Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences 2007

BSN Nursing
Kashan University of Medical Sciences 2002

Courses Taught

Nursing Research Design and Methods (NURS 8070)
Gerontological Nursing (NURS 3230)
Knowledge Development in Advanced Nursing (NURS 8040)

Profile

Dr. Rahemi is an Associate Professor at Clemson University. She has studied older adults from a variety of culturally and ethnically diverse populations, their treatment preferences, end-of-life care planning and decision making, and the health and quality of life of persons with chronic diseases. Her current research interests focus on an interdisciplinary approach to enhance the quality of life and end-of-life care and reduce health disparities in end-of-life care for racially diverse older adults and persons with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD). Health research is essential for end-of-life care and advance care planning among diverse older adults. Advance care planning is not a culturally accepted norm and practices among many immigrants and diverse populations. Dr. Rahemi’s interest is to find individual, cultural, familial, and environmental factors for enhancing advance care planning among older adults, especially persons with ADRD, using interdisciplinary, innovative, and artificial intelligence (AI)-oriented methods. She is a member of the CU Institute for Engaged Aging (IEA), Center for Research on Health Disparities (CRHD), Clemson University School of Health Research (CUSHR), and Clemson-MUSC AI Hub. She is also a member of the Gerontological Society of America, the Alzheimer’s Association International Society to Advance Alzheimer’s Research and Treatment (ISTAART), and the Southern Gerontological Society (SGS).

Research Interests

Gerontology/Aging
Healthcare disparities
Alzheimer's disease and related dementias
Advance care planning
End-of-life care
Quality of Life
Minority populations
Artificial intelligence (AI)-oriented techniques for decision making

Research Publications

Bacsu, J., Rahemi, Z., et al. (accepted-March 2024). Understanding the stigma of dementia during COVID-19: A scoping review. Frontiers in Psychiatry, section Aging Psychiatry.

Petrovski, D., Yildiz, M., Yefimova, M., Yefimova, M., Sefcik, J., Baker, Z., Ma, K., Rahemi, Z., Bacsu, J., Smith, M., Pickering, C. (2024). Shared Activities as a Protective Factor Against Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia and Caregiver Stress, Innovation in Aging, igae034, https://doi.org/10.1093/geroni/igae034

Rahemi, Z., Bacsu, J., Sefcik, J., Sadafipoor, M.S., Demiris, G., & Adams, S. (2023). Advance care planning and outpatient visits among older adults across cognitive levels. Aging and Health Research, 3(4). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ahr.2023.100166

Bacsu, J., Rahemi, Z., Sefcik, J., Petrovsky, D., Ma, K., Baker, Z., Smith, M. L. (2023). Advancing Gerontology through Exceptional Scholarship (AGES): A Mentorship Initiative for Early Career Faculty. Canadian Geriatrics Journal. 27(1)

Rahemi, Z., Malatyali, A., Bacsu, J.R., Sefcik, J.S., Petrovsky, D.V., Baker, Z.J., Ma, K.P.K., Smith, M.L., & Adams, S.A. (2023). Healthcare Utilization and Advance Care Planning in Older Adults Across Cognitive Levels and Racial/Ethnic Communities. Journal of Applied Gerontology (JAG). doi. 10.1177/07334648231191667

Bacsu, J., Rahemi, Z., Nanson, K., Webster, C., Norman, M., Spiteri, R. (2023). Stigma of dementia during COVID-19: A Scoping Review Protocol. BMJ Open. doi. 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-076300.

Wiese, L.A.K., Gibson, A., Guest, M.A., Nelson, A.R., Weaver, R., Gupta, A., Carmichael, O., Lewis, J.P., Lindauer, A., Loi, S., Peterson, R., Radford, K., Rhodus, E.K., Wong, C.G., Zuelsdorff, M., Saidi, L.G., Valdivieso-Mora, E., Franzen, S., Pope, C.N., Killian, T.S., Shrestha, H.L., Heyn, P.C., Ng, T.K.S., Prusaczyk, B., John, S., Kulshreshtha, A., Sheffler, J.L., Besser, L., Daniel, V., Tolea, M.I., Miller J., Musyimi C., Corkey J., Yank V., Williams C.L., Rahemi, Z., Park, J., Magzamen, S., Newton, R.L. Jr, Harrington, C., Flatt, J.D., Arora, S., Walter, S., Griffin, P., Babulal, G.M. (2023). Global Rural Health Disparities in Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias: State of the Science. Alzheimer's & Dementia, Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1002/alz.13104

Rahemi, Z. & Jarrín OF. (2023). Older adults in the USA with limited English proficiency have high rates of intensive end-of-life care and low rates of palliative care and advance care planning. Evidence-Based Nursing. Published Online First: 09 February 2023. doi: 10.1136/ebnurs-2022-103593.

Rahemi, Z., Malatyali, A., Wiese, L., & Dye, C. (2023). End-of-Life Care Planning for Diverse Individuals Across Age Groups: A Proposed Conceptual Model of Nursing. Journal of Nursing Care Quality, 38(4), doi: 10.1097/NCQ.0000000000000705. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 36947814.

Asgar, F.*, Rahemi, Z., Sadat, Z. & Mirbagher Ajorpaz, N. (2023). The Role of General Health and Health Literacy in Self-Care Behaviors of Patients with Covid-19. Journal of Client-Centered Nursing Care, 9(2).

Mohammadi, M.*, Rahemi, Z., Sadat, Z., & Mirbagher Ajorpaz, N. (2023). The effect of Thai massages on general health of hemodialysis patients: A randomized controlled clinical trial. International Archives of Health Sciences.

Rahemi, Z., Malatyali, A., Adams, S., Jarrín, O., Demiris, G., Parker, V., Anaraky, R., & Dye, C. (2022). Advance Care Planning Among Older Adults with Cognitive Impairment. American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Medicine, online first (December 21). https://doi.org/10.1177/104990912211462

Moghari M.*, Rahemi Z, Sadat Z, & Mirbagher Ajorpaz, N. (2022). Effects of Aromatherapy Using Sour Lemon on Nausea in Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy: A Quasi-Experimental Study. Iranian Rehabilitation Journal, 20(2):209-216. http:// dx.doi.org/10.32598/irj.20.1.1567.1

Izadinezhad, M.*, Rahemi, Z., Ghasembandi, M., Sadat, Z., & Mirbagher Ajorpaz, N. (2022). The Effect of Foot Reflexology on the Time of Full Consciousness Recovery and Weaning from Mechanical Ventilation in Patients with Brain Tumor after Craniotomy. Clinics in Surgery, 7: 3562.

Rahemi, Z. & Parker, V. (2022). Does culture matter? Young and middle-aged Iranian-American adults’ perspectives regarding end-of-life care planning. American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Medicine, 39(5), 555–561. https://doi.org/10.1177/10499091211036894

Torkan, P.*, Rahemi, Z., Sadat, Z., & Mirbagher Ajorpaz, N. (2022). Effectiveness of a Precede-Proceed Model-based Educational Program on the Health Related Quality of Life and Preventive Behaviors of Patients with Cancer Undergoing Chemotherapy. Journal of Client-Centered Nursing Care, 8(2), 119-128. doi: 10.32598/JCCNC.8.2.293.6

Sahraei, F., Rahemi, Z., Sadat, Z., Zamani, B., Mirbagher Ajorpaz, N., Afshar, M., & Mianehsaz, E. (2022). The effects of Swedish massage on pain in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: A randomized controlled trial. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice. 46, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctcp.2021.101524

Mollaei, Z., Rahemi, Z., Izadi-Avanji, F.S., Sarvizadeh, M., Hosseinian, M., Akbari, H. (2022). The Effect of Self-care Training by Peer Group on the Resilience of Patients with Cancer: A Randomized Clinical Trial. Journal of Client-Centered Nursing Care, 8(1).

Izadi-Avanji, F.S., Rahemi, Z., Adib-Hajbaghery, M., & Yazdani-Darki, M. (2021). Factors influencing use of technology in older adults' daily life. International Archives of Health Sciences, 8(3), 190-195. 10.4103/iahs.iahs_14_21

Rahemi, Z. & Parker, V. (2021). Does culture matter? Young and middle-aged Iranian-American adults’ perspectives regarding end-of-life care planning. American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Medicine. https://doi.org/10.1177/10499091211036894

Mahboobeh Hafezi, Zahra Rahemi, Fatemeh Izadi, & Neda Mirbagher, (2021). The effect of the Alexander Technique on pain intensity in patients with chronic low back pain: A randomized controlled trial. The Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbmt.2021.09.025

Mazreati, N., Rahemi, Z., Aghajani, M., Mirbagher Ajorpaz, N. & Mianehsaz, E. (2021), Effect of craniosacral therapy on intensity of chronic back pain of nurses: A randomized controlled trial. Nursing Practice Today, 8(4), 313-321.

Rahemi, Z. & Fasolino, T. (2020). End-of-Life Care Terminology: A Scoping Review. Advances in Nursing Science, 44(2). 148-156. doi: 10.1097/ans.0000000000000334

Yazdani Darki, M., Rahemi, Z., Adib Hajbaghery, M., & Izadi Avanji F. S. (2020). Older adults’ barriers to use technology in daily life: A qualitative study. Nursing and Midwifery Studies, 9(4). 229-236. doi: 10.4103/nms.nms_91_19

Ganjizadeh, M., Rahemi, Z., Tafreshi, M. Z., Hajibagheri, A., & Ajorpaz, N. M. (2020). Workplace Conflicts among emergency department nurses: Instrument development and psychometric properties. Journal of Nursing Measurement, 28(1). doi:10.1891/JNM-D-18-00088

Mahdavipour, F., Rahemi, Z., Sadat, Z., & Ajorpazd, N. M. (2019). The effects of foot reflexology on depression during menopause: A randomized controlled clinical trial. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 47. doi:10.1016/j.ctim.2019.102195

Rahemi, Z., & Williams, C. L. (2019). Does ethnicity matter—Cultural factors underlying older adults’ end-of-life care preferences: A systematic review. Geriatric Nursing, ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT.
MirbagherAjorpaz, N., Rahemi, Z., Aghajani, M., & Hashemi, Sh. (2019). Effects of Glycerin Oil and Lavender Oil Massages on Hemodialysis Patients’ Restless Legs Syndrome. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbmt.2019.06.012

Rahemi, Z. (2019). Planning ahead for end-of-life healthcare among Iranian-American older adults: Attitudes and communication of healthcare wishes. Journal of Cross-Cultural Gerontology, 34(2), 187-199. doi: 10.1007/s10823-019-09371-x

Rahemi, Z., Dunphy, L., & Newman, D. (2019). Preferences Regarding and Communication About End-Of-Life Care Among Older Iranian-American Adults. Western Journal of Nursing Research. doi:org/10.1177/0193945919832304

Rahimimoghadam. Z., Rahemi, Z., Sadat, Z., & Mirbagher Ajorpaz, N. (2019). Pilates exercises and quality of life of patients with chronic kidney disease. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 34, 35-40. doi.org/10.1016/j.ctcp.2018.10.017
Rahemi, Z., D’Avolio, D., Dunphy, L., & Rivera, A. (Accepted). An integrative review on design thinking: shifting management in healthcare—Facilitators and barriers. Nursing Management.

Rahemi, Z., Williams, C., Tappen, R. M., & Engstrom, G. (2018). Health-Related Decisions for Serious Illness Among Ethnically Diverse Older Adults. Advances in Nursing Sciences, 41(1), 84-96. doi:10.1097/ANS.0000000000000192

Tappen, R. M., Wolf, D. G., Rahemi, Z., Rojido, C., Shutes, J. M. & Ouslander, J. G. (2017). Barriers and facilitators to implementing a change initiative in long-term care utilizing the INTERACTâ„¢ Quality Improvement Program. The Health Care Manager, 36(3), 219-230. doi: 10.1097/HCM.0000000000000168.

Rahemi, Z., Mirbagher Ajorpaz, N., Sharifi Esfahani, M., & Aghajani, M. (2017). Sensation-seeking and factors related to dangerous driving behaviors among Iranian drivers. Personality and Individual Differences, 116, 314-318. doi:10.1016/j.paid.2017.05.004

Rahimimoghadam, Z., Rahemi, Z., Mirbagher Ajorpaz, N., & Sadat, Z. (2017). Effects of Pilates exercise on general health of hemodialysis patients. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 21(1), 1-7. doi:10.1016/j.jbmt.2016.05.012

Rahemi, Z., & Williams, C. L. (2016). Older adults of underrepresented populations and their end-of-life preferences: An integrative review. Advances in Nursing Science, 39(4), E1–E29. doi:10.1097/ANS.0000000000000148

Mirbagher Ajorpaz, N., Zagheri Tafreshi, M., Mohtashami, J., Zayeri, F., & Rahemi, Z. (2016). The Effect of Mentoring on Clinical Perioperative Competence in Operating Room Nursing Students. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 25(9-10), 1319–1325 doi: 10.1111/jocn.13205

Mirbagher Ajorpaz, N., Zagheri Tafreshi, M., Mohtashami, J., Zayeri, F., & Rahemi, Z. (2016) Psychometric Testing of the Persian Version of the Perceived Perioperative Competence Scale-Revised (PPCS-R). Journal of Nursing Measurement. [Epub ahead of print]

Rahemi, Z., & Williams, C. L. (2015). Development of a Dignity-Enhancing Model of Caring for Older Adults. International Journal for Human Caring, 19(3), 36-41.

Safa, A., Rahemi, Z., & Aghajani, M. (2014). Quality of life in patients with breast cancer in Kashan: A cross-sectional study. Life Science Journal, 11(1s), 141-145.

Mirbagher-Ajorpaz, N., Shahshahani, M. S., & Rahemi, Z. (2013). The effects of pure and impure honey on women’s vomiting, nausea, and headache related to the primary dysmenorrhea. Journal of Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, 16(7), 510-517. [Persian]

Moshtaghe-Eshgh, Z., Rahemi, Z., Majd, H. A., Hoviattalab, S. K., & Yaghamaie, F. (2011). Effects of walking on quality of life of mastectomy patients at selected hospitals of Tehran. Iranian Journal of Nursing and Midwifery Research, 16(4), 299-303.

Honors and Awards

2024-2027 Rahemi, Z., (PI), Alzheimer’s Association
Title: Advance care planning and end of life in cognitively impaired older adults

2023-2024 Rahemi, Z., (PI), Strategic University Challenge for Competitive Excellence and Expertise in Discovery and Scholarship (Clemson Faculty SUCCEEDS) Grant/CU SUCCEEDS Program.
Title: Advance Care Planning Disparities Across Cognitive Functioning Levels and Ethnically/Racially Diverse Populations.

2021-2022 Rahemi, Z., (PI), National Institutes of Aging (NIA) pilot funding through the Carolina Center for Alzheimer’s Disease and Minority Research (CCADMR).
Title: Addressing Alzheimer’s and Related Dementias Advance Care Planning Disparities among Diverse Populations.

2020-2022 Rahemi, Z., (Co-PI), Rahemi- Health Sciences Center/Prisma Health.
Title: Increasing conversations about end-of-life (EOL) planning for culturally, racially, and ethnically diverse (CRED) older adults in Appalachia, SC,

2018-2019 Rahemi, Z., (PI), Clemson University, USA, 2018-2019
Title: Factors Related to Advance End-of-Life Care Planning Among a Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Population

Graduate Student Thesis and Dissertation Scholarship Award, Florida Atlantic University, USA, 2016

Presidential Fellowship, Florida Atlantic University, USA, 2014

Presidential Fellowship, Florida Atlantic University, USA, 2013