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Blake AL, Bennett NR, McKenzie JA, Tulloch-Reid MK, Govia I, McFarlane SR, Walters R, Francis DK, Wilks RJ, Williams DR, Younger-Coleman NO, Ferguson TS. Social support and ideal cardiovascular health in urban Jamaica: A cross-sectional study. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 4:e0003466. [PMID: 39078827 PMCID: PMC11288424 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0003466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
Abstract
Recent studies have suggested that high levels of social support can encourage better health behaviours and result in improved cardiovascular health. In this study we evaluated the association between social support and ideal cardiovascular health among urban Jamaicans. We conducted a cross-sectional study among urban residents in Jamaica's south-east health region. Socio-demographic data and information on cigarette smoking, physical activity, dietary practices, blood pressure, body size, cholesterol, and glucose, were collected by trained personnel. The outcome variable, ideal cardiovascular health, was defined as having optimal levels of ≥5 of these characteristics (ICH-5) according to the American Heart Association definitions. Social support exposure variables included number of friends (network size), number of friends willing to provide loans (instrumental support) and number of friends providing advice (informational support). Principal component analysis was used to create a social support score using these three variables. Survey-weighted logistic regression models were used to evaluate the association between ICH-5 and social support score. Analyses included 841 participants (279 males, 562 females) with mean age of 47.6 ± 18.42 years. ICH-5 prevalence was 26.6% (95%CI 22.3, 31.0) with no significant sex difference (male 27.5%, female 25.7%). In sex-specific, multivariable logistic regression models, social support score, was inversely associated with ICH-5 among males (OR 0.67 [95%CI 0.51, 0.89], p = 0.006) but directly associated among females (OR 1.26 [95%CI 1.04, 1.53], p = 0.020) after adjusting for age and community SES. Living in poorer communities was also significantly associated with higher odds of ICH-5 among males, while living communities with high property value was associated with higher odds of ICH among females. In this study, higher level of social support was associated with better cardiovascular health among women, but poorer cardiovascular health among men in urban Jamaica. Further research should explore these associations and identify appropriate interventions to promote cardiovascular health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alphanso L. Blake
- Caribbean Institute for Health Research, The University of the West Indies, Mona, Kingston, Jamaica
- School of Clinical Medicine and Research, The Faculty of Medical Sciences, The University of the West Indies, Nassau, The Bahamas
| | - Nadia R. Bennett
- Caribbean Institute for Health Research, The University of the West Indies, Mona, Kingston, Jamaica
| | - Joette A. McKenzie
- Caribbean Institute for Health Research, The University of the West Indies, Mona, Kingston, Jamaica
| | - Marshall K. Tulloch-Reid
- Caribbean Institute for Health Research, The University of the West Indies, Mona, Kingston, Jamaica
| | - Ishtar Govia
- Caribbean Institute for Health Research, The University of the West Indies, Mona, Kingston, Jamaica
| | - Shelly R. McFarlane
- Caribbean Institute for Health Research, The University of the West Indies, Mona, Kingston, Jamaica
| | - Renee Walters
- Caribbean Institute for Health Research, The University of the West Indies, Mona, Kingston, Jamaica
| | - Damian K. Francis
- School of Health and Human Performance, Georgia College and State University, Milledgeville, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Rainford J. Wilks
- Caribbean Institute for Health Research, The University of the West Indies, Mona, Kingston, Jamaica
| | - David R. Williams
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Novie O. Younger-Coleman
- Caribbean Institute for Health Research, The University of the West Indies, Mona, Kingston, Jamaica
| | - Trevor S. Ferguson
- Caribbean Institute for Health Research, The University of the West Indies, Mona, Kingston, Jamaica
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Kabel A. Threading the Needle: Online Modest Apparel Forums and Physical Activity for Women with Religious-Based Modesty Preferences. JOURNAL OF RELIGION AND HEALTH 2023; 62:3480-3500. [PMID: 36853407 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-023-01770-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Religious-based modesty requirements can complicate women's attempts to engage in physical activity. The growing interest in online discussion forums focusing on modest dress showcases an emerging demand for athletic apparel that meets the modesty requirements of women from Muslim, Orthodox Jewish, LDS/Mormon and Evangelical Christian backgrounds. A thematic analysis was conducted on the forum posts. Findings include the use of apparel for women seeking help with physical activity without violating their modesty standards; using modest apparel as a tool for maintaining an identity as a person of faith, and health-seeking behavior as a legitimate way to question religious protocol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison Kabel
- College of Health Professions, Towson University, Towson, USA.
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Knutson D, Irgens MS, Flynn KC, Norvilitis JM, Bauer LM, Berkessel JB, Cascalheira CJ, Cera JL, Choi NY, Cuccolo K, Danielson DK, Dascano KN, Edlund JE, Fletcher T, Flinn RE, Gosnell CL, Heermans G, Horne M, Howell JL, Hua J, Ijebor EE, Jia F, McGillivray S, Ogba KTU, Shane-Simpson C, Staples A, Ugwu CF, Wang SC, Yockey A, Zheng Z, Zlokovich MS. Associations Between Primary Residence and Mental Health in Global Marginalized Populations. Community Ment Health J 2023; 59:1083-1096. [PMID: 36695952 PMCID: PMC9874180 DOI: 10.1007/s10597-023-01088-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Scholars suggest that marginalized people in non-urban areas experience higher distress levels and fewer psychosocial resources than in urban areas. Researchers have yet to test whether precise proximity to urban centers is associated with mental health for marginalized populations. We recruited 1733 people who reported living in 45 different countries. Participants entered their home locations and completed measures of anxiety, depression, social support, and resilience. Regression and thematic analyses were used to determine what role distance from legislative and urban centers may play in mental health when marginalized people were disaggregated. Greater distance from legislative center predicted higher anxiety and resilience. Greater distance from urban center also predicted more resilience. Thematic analyses yielded five categories (e.g., safety, connection) that further illustrated the impact of geographic location on health. Implications for community mental health are discussed including the need to better understand and further expand resilience in rural areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Knutson
- Oklahoma State University, 445 Willard Hall, Stillwater, OK, 74078, USA.
| | | | - K C Flynn
- United States Department of Agriculture - Agricultural Research Service, Washington, DC, USA
| | | | - L M Bauer
- University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | | | | | - J L Cera
- New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM, USA
| | - N-Y Choi
- Dankook University, Yongin-Si, South Korea
| | | | - D K Danielson
- University of Toronto, Scarborough, Toronto, ON, USA
| | | | - J E Edlund
- Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - T Fletcher
- West Liberty University, West Liberty, WV, USA
| | - R E Flinn
- Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | | | | | - M Horne
- Richmond, American International University, London, UK
| | - J L Howell
- University of California, Merced, CA, USA
| | - J Hua
- University of California, Merced, CA, USA
| | - E E Ijebor
- New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM, USA
| | - F Jia
- Seton Hall University, South Orange, NJ, USA
| | | | - K T U Ogba
- University of Nigeria Nsukka, Nsukka, Nigeria
| | | | - A Staples
- Weatherford College, Weatherford, TX, USA
| | - C F Ugwu
- University of Nigeria Nsukka, Nsukka, Nigeria
| | - S C Wang
- New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM, USA
| | - A Yockey
- University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, USA
| | - Z Zheng
- Lasell College, Auburndale, MA, USA
| | - M S Zlokovich
- Psi Chi International Honor Society in Psychology, Chattanooga, TN, USA
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Julien-Chinn FJ, Katz CC, Wall E. An Examination of Coping Strategies and Intent to Leave Child Welfare During the COVID 19 Pandemic. CHILD & ADOLESCENT SOCIAL WORK JOURNAL : C & A 2021; 40:1-10. [PMID: 34744296 PMCID: PMC8561083 DOI: 10.1007/s10560-021-00800-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Child welfare work is inherently difficult, and child welfare agencies are known to experience high rates of turnover. We sought to expand the existing literature on intention to leave one's child welfare agency and commitment to child welfare work through examining the coping mechanisms of frontline workers. Having and utilizing healthy coping mechanisms has proved beneficial to child welfare workers in previous research. In this paper, we examine specific coping mechanisms identified in the Comprehensive Organizational Health Assessment and how they were associated with child welfare workers' intent to leave their agency and their commitment to remain in the field of child welfare during the SARS CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic. We surveyed over 250 child welfare caseworkers using the COHA instrument. Using both bivariate analysis and linear regression, we identify specific coping mechanisms, such as staying present with friends and family, as highly influential and discuss ways to strengthen these areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francie J. Julien-Chinn
- Thompson School of Social Work, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Gartly Hall, Honolulu, HI USA
| | - Colleen C. Katz
- Silberman School of Social Work, Hunter College, CUNY, New York, NY USA
| | - Eden Wall
- Silberman School of Social Work, Hunter College, CUNY, New York, NY USA
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Story CR, Knutson D, Brown JB, Spears-Laniox E, Harvey IS, Gizlice Z, Whitt-Glover MC. Changes in social support over time in a faith-based physical activity intervention. HEALTH EDUCATION RESEARCH 2017; 32:513-523. [PMID: 29126170 PMCID: PMC5914453 DOI: 10.1093/her/cyx062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2016] [Accepted: 08/17/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
African-American women report higher levels of chronic conditions and church attendance relative to the overall US population. Therefore, efforts have increased over the past decade to design church-based health promotion programs. The present study compared changes in religiosity, religious social support and general social support across time within a church-based physical activity study. In a clustered randomized controlled trial, 31 churches and ∼15 African-American women per church were recruited to participate. Churches were randomized to one of three 10-month programs to promote physical activity: faith-integrated (FI), non-faith integrated (NFI) or self-guided control program (C). Comparisons were made between baseline and 10-month time points to assess differences over time. A significant reduction in general social support was observed across all groups. Private religious practices and religious emotional support received increases in C and FI, respectively. Prior research findings and the current study highlight difficulty in demonstrating strong, unilateral changes in religiosity, social support and health. Additional research is needed to identify more accurate measures of these concepts. Findings from the current study have implications for the role of social support in future church-based health promotion studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chandra R Story
- Department of Health and Human Performance, Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, TN, USA
| | - Douglas Knutson
- Department of Psychology, Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, Carbondale, IL, USA
| | - Jameisha B Brown
- Department of Health and Kinesiology, Transdisciplinary Center for Health Equity Research, Texas A & M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Erica Spears-Laniox
- Department of Health and Kinesiology, Transdisciplinary Center for Health Equity Research, Texas A & M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Idethia Shevon Harvey
- Department of Health and Kinesiology, Transdisciplinary Center for Health Equity Research, Texas A & M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Ziya Gizlice
- Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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Whitt-Glover MC, Goldmon MV, Gizlice Z, Heil DP, Karanja N. Learning and Developing Individual Exercise Skills (L.A.D.I.E.S.) for a Better Life: A Church-Based Physical Activity Intervention - Baseline Participant Characteristics. Ethn Dis 2017; 27:257-264. [PMID: 28811737 DOI: 10.18865/ed.27.3.257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Physical activity (PA) is beneficial for health, yet most African American women do not achieve recommended levels. Successful, sustainable strategies could help to address disparities in health outcomes associated with low levels of PA. The Learning and Developing Individual Exercise Skills (L.A.D.I.E.S.) for a Better Life study compared a faith-based and a secular intervention for increasing PA with a self-guided control group. DESIGN SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS This cluster randomized, controlled trial was conducted from 2010 - 2011 in African American churches (n=31) in suburban North Carolina. Participants were 469 self-identified low active African American women. MEASURES Baseline data were collected on participant demographics, objective and self-reported PA, and constructs related to social ecological theory and social cognitive theory. RESULTS Complete baseline data were available for 417 participants who were aged 51.4 ± 12.9 years, with average BMI (kg/m2) 35.8 ± 9.9; 73% of participants were obese (BMI >30). Participants averaged 3,990 ± 1,828 pedometer-assessed daily steps and 23.9 ± 37.7 accelerometer-assessed minutes of daily moderate-to-vigorous PA, and self-reported 25.4 ± 45.4 minutes of weekly walking and moderate- and vigorous-intensity PA. Baseline self-reported religiosity and social support were high. CONCLUSIONS L.A.D.I.E.S. is one of the largest PA trials focused on individual behavior change in African American women. Baseline characteristics suggest participants are representative of the general population. Findings from the study will contribute toward understanding appropriate strategies for increasing PA in high-risk populations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ziya Gizlice
- Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Daniel P Heil
- Exercise Physiology, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT
| | - Njeri Karanja
- Center for Health Research, Kaiser Permanente, Portland, OR
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Bland V, Sharma M. Physical activity interventions in African American women: A systematic review. Health Promot Perspect 2017; 7:52-59. [PMID: 28326284 PMCID: PMC5350550 DOI: 10.15171/hpp.2017.11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2016] [Accepted: 10/31/2016] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: African American women are at high risk of acquiring chronic diseases due to sedentary lifestyles. This objective of this article was to perform a narrative systematic review of physical activity interventions among African American women published between 2009 and 2015. Methods: A review of literature in following databases: Academic Search Premier, CINAHL (Cumulative Index to Nursing & Allied Health), ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), MEDLINE, PsychInfo, and SPORTDiscus was performed to locate interventions promoting physical activity among African American women. Results: The search yielded 13 interventions. All the studies were conducted within the United States. It was found that walking coupled with healthy food choices were salient strategies in the interventions. Studies using social support along with healthy diet were found to be more efficacious in fostering physical activity among African American women. Conclusion: Walking, social support and a healthy diet were found to be significant strategies promoting physical activity in African American women. Physical activity for African American women must build on the constructs of healthier food choices and social support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Bland
- Behavioral & Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Jackson State University, MS, USA
| | - Manoj Sharma
- Behavioral & Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Jackson State University, MS, USA
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