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Kacanek D, Yee LM, Yao TJ, Lee J, Chadwick EG, Williams PL, Barr EA, Berman CA, Davtyan M, DiPerna A, Flores A, Green J, Haddad LB, Hyzy L, Jacobson DL, James-Todd T, Jao J, Khadraoui A, Malee KM, Moscicki AB, Patel K, Robinson LG, Salomon L, Sanders K, Siminski S, Smith RA, Wolbach T, Powis KM. Health Outcomes around Pregnancy and Exposure to HIV/Antiretrovirals (HOPE) study protocol: a prospective observational cohort study of reproductive-aged women living with HIV. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e084835. [PMID: 38969382 PMCID: PMC11228391 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2024-084835] [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] [Indexed: 07/07/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Over 265 000 women are living with HIV in the USA, but limited research has investigated the physical, mental and behavioural health outcomes among women living with HIV of reproductive age. Health status during the reproductive years before, during and after pregnancy affects pregnancy outcomes and long-term health. Understanding health outcomes among women living with HIV of reproductive age is of substantial public health importance, regardless of whether they experience pregnancy. The Health Outcomes around Pregnancy and Exposure to HIV/Antiretrovirals (HOPE) study is a prospective observational cohort study designed to investigate physical and mental health outcomes of young women living with HIV as they age, including HIV disease course, engagement in care, reproductive health and choices and cardiometabolic health. We describe the HOPE study design, and characteristics of the first 437 participants enrolled as of 1 January 2024. METHODS AND ANALYSIS The HOPE study seeks to enrol and follow 1630 women living with HIV of reproductive age, including those with perinatally-acquired HIV, at 12 clinical sites across 9 US states and Puerto Rico. HOPE studies multilevel dynamic determinants influencing physical, mental and social well-being and behaviours of women living with HIV across the reproductive life course (preconception, pregnancy, post partum, not or never-pregnant), informed by the socioecological model. Key research areas include the clinical course of HIV, relationship of HIV and antiretroviral medications to reproductive health, pregnancy outcomes and comorbidities and the influence of racism and social determinants of health. HOPE began enrolling in April 2022. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The HOPE study received approval from the Harvard Longwood Campus Institutional Review Board, the single institutional review board of record for all HOPE sites. Results will be disseminated through conference presentations, peer-reviewed journals and lay summaries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah Kacanek
- Center for Biostatistics in AIDS Research, Harvard University T H Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Lynn M Yee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Tzy-Jyun Yao
- Center for Biostatistics in AIDS Research, Harvard University T H Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jessica Lee
- Center for Biostatistics in AIDS Research, Harvard University T H Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ellen G Chadwick
- Department of Pediatrics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Paige L Williams
- Departments of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Harvard University T H Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Emily A Barr
- The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston Cizik School of Nursing, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Claire A Berman
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard University T H Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Mariam Davtyan
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Alex DiPerna
- Frontier Science Foundation, Amherst, New York, USA
| | - Amanda Flores
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard University T H Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Lisa B Haddad
- Population Council Center for Biomedical Research, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Laurie Hyzy
- Frontier Science Foundation, Amherst, New York, USA
| | - Denise L Jacobson
- Center for Biostatistics in AIDS Research, Harvard University T H Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Tamarra James-Todd
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard University T H Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jennifer Jao
- Department of Pediatrics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Anisa Khadraoui
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard University T H Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kathleen M Malee
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | | | - Kunjal Patel
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard University T H Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Lisa-Gaye Robinson
- Broward Health, Children's Diagnostic and Treatment Center, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA
| | - Liz Salomon
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard University T H Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | | | - Renee A Smith
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | | | - Kathleen M Powis
- Departments of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Disease, Harvard University T H Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Hanners A, Melnyk B, Bedell T, Conroy S, Volek J, Brock G, Kelley M. A pilot study of Keto Prescribed+: A healthy thinking and eating educational program for African American women. J Am Assoc Nurse Pract 2024; 36:377-384. [PMID: 38967613 PMCID: PMC11230637 DOI: 10.1097/jxx.0000000000001019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
ABSTRACT African American (AA) women have the highest prevalence of obesity in addition to health disparities in preventable diet-related diseases (i.e., diabetes, hypertension), which places them at increased risk for cardiovascular disease. The purpose of this pilot study was to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of the Keto Prescribed+ (KetoRx+) program on associated physical and psychosocial outcomes among this population. The KetoRx+ program is a healthy eating and thinking educational intervention. The program combined online and in-person community group sessions over 8 weeks. The Keto Prescribed+ was found to be feasible and acceptable with comments on ways to increase acceptability from participants completing program (n = 10). Physical outcomes changed showed an average decrease in weight of 10lbs (SD = 5), baseline average 226lbs. Waist-to-hip ratio and systolic blood pressure also trended down. Psychosocial outcomes showed improvement trends. The KetoRx+ program is feasible and acceptable for overweight or obese AA women. Preliminary efficacy was established for most physical and psychosocial outcomes. However, more research is needed to identify specific program components contributing to healthy lifestyle behavior change and to establish program efficacy and effectiveness. Culturally adapted community-based biopsychosocial interventions using ketogenic nutrition therapy may help improve cardiovascular health of adult AA women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audra Hanners
- The Ohio State University College of Nursing, Columbus, Ohio
| | | | - Teryn Bedell
- Department of Human Sciences, The Ohio State University College of Education and Human Ecology, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Sara Conroy
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Center for Biostatistics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Jeff Volek
- Department of Human Sciences, The Ohio State University College of Education and Human Ecology, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Guy Brock
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Marjorie Kelley
- The Ohio State University College of Nursing, Columbus, Ohio
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Parnell R. Reflections of Black Married Working Mothers Managing Occupational Roles and Racism. OTJR-OCCUPATION PARTICIPATION AND HEALTH 2024; 44:396-404. [PMID: 37950368 DOI: 10.1177/15394492231209681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Black married working mothers encounter forms of racism, on the job and in society. However, little attention is given to how these experiences affect their work and family lives. Qualitative thematic analysis was used to examine the narratives of 91 Black women, aged 20 to 55 years, to explore the effects of racism on their key occupational roles of wife, employee, and mother. Four major themes emerged for being a Black employee. Two themes were linked to Black mothering. Five themes were identified for being a Black wife. Also, two new culturally derived occupational roles emerged: advocate and pioneer. Findings suggest that Black married working mothers have unique transformative experiences in their occupational roles solely due to their minoritized status, which impacts their wellbeing. Occupation-based research should focus on racism's impact on the wellbeing of minoritized groups as they engage in desired and meaningful occupational roles.
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Lalika M, McCoy CR, Jones C, Bancos I, Cooper LA, Hayes SN, Johnson MP, Kullo IJ, Kumbamu A, Noseworthy PA, Patten CA, Singh R, Wi CI, Brewer LC. Rationale, design, and participant characteristics of the FAITH! Heart Health+ study: An exploration of the influence of the social determinants of health, stress, and structural racism on African American cardiovascular health. Contemp Clin Trials 2024; 143:107600. [PMID: 38851481 DOI: 10.1016/j.cct.2024.107600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND African Americans (AAs) face cardiovascular health (CVH) disparities linked to systemic racism. The 2020 police killing of Mr. George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota, alongside the COVID-19 pandemic, exacerbated adverse psychosocial factors affecting CVH outcomes among AAs. This manuscript describes the study protocol and participant characteristics in an ancillary study exploring the relationship between biopsychosocial factors and CVH among AAs. METHODS Using a community-based participatory approach, a mixed-methods ancillary study of 58 AA participants from an overarching randomized control trial (RCT) was conducted. Baseline RCT health assessments (November 2020) provided sociodemographic, medical, and clinical data. Subsequent health assessments (February-December 2022) measured sleep quality, psychosocial factors (e.g., high-effort coping), biomarkers (e.g., cortisol), and cardiovascular diagnostics (e.g., cardio-ankle vascular index). CVH was assessed using the American Heart Association Life's Simple 7 (LS7) (range 0 to 14, poor to ideal) and Life's Essential 8 (LE8) scores (range 0 to 100, low to high). Correlations between these scores will be examined. Focus group discussions via videoconferencing (March to April 2022) assessed psychosocial and structural barriers, along with the impact of COVID-19 and George Floyd's killing on daily life. RESULTS Participants were predominantly female (67%), with a mean age of 54.6 [11.9] years, high cardiometabolic risk (93% had overweight/obesity and 70% hypertension), and moderate LE8 scores (mean 57.4, SD 11.5). CONCLUSION This study will enhance understanding of the associations between biopsychosocial factors and CVH among AAs in Minnesota. Findings may inform risk estimation, patient care, and healthcare policies to address CVD disparities in marginalized populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathias Lalika
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, 200 First St SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
| | - Carrie R McCoy
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, 200 First St SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
| | - Clarence Jones
- Hue-Man Partnership, 2400 Park Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55404, USA
| | - Irina Bancos
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Metabolism and Nutrition, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, 200 First St SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
| | - Lisa A Cooper
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 2024 E. Monument Street, Suite#2-500, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
| | - Sharonne N Hayes
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, 200 First St SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
| | - Matthew P Johnson
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Mayo Clinic, 200 First St SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
| | - Iftikhar J Kullo
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, 200 First St SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
| | - Ashok Kumbamu
- Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Center for the Science of Health Care Delivery, Mayo Clinic, 200 First St SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
| | - Peter A Noseworthy
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, 200 First St SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
| | - Christi A Patten
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, 200 First St SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
| | - Ravinder Singh
- Division of Clinical Biochemistry & Immunology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First St SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
| | - Chung-Il Wi
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Mayo Clinic, 200 First St SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - LaPrincess C Brewer
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, 200 First St SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA; Center for Health Equity and Community Engagement Research, Mayo Clinic, 200 First St SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
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Webb EK, Carter SE, Ressler KJ, Fani N, Harnett NG. The neurophysiological consequences of racism-related stressors in Black Americans. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2024; 161:105638. [PMID: 38522814 PMCID: PMC11081835 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2024.105638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
Racism-related stressors, from experiences of both implicit and explicit racial discrimination to systemic socioeconomic disadvantage, have a cumulative impact on Black Americans' health. The present narrative review synthesizes peripheral (neuroendocrine and inflammation markers), psychophysiological (heart-rate variability, skin conductance), and neuroimaging (structural and functional) findings that demonstrate unique associations with racism-related stress. Emerging evidence reveals how racism-related stressors contribute to differential physiological and neural responses and may have distinct impacts on regions involved with threat and social processing. Ultimately, the neurophysiological effects of racism-related stress may confer biological susceptibility to stress and trauma-related disorders. We note critical gaps in the literature on the neurophysiological impact of racism-related stress and outline additional research that is needed on the multifactorial interactions between racism and mental health. A clearer understanding of the interactions between racism-related stress, neurophysiology, and stress- and trauma-related disorders is critical for preventative efforts, biomarker discovery, and selection of effective clinical treatments for Black Americans.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Kate Webb
- McLean Hospital, Division of Depression and Anxiety, Belmont, MA, USA; Harvard Medical School, Department of Psychiatry, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sierra E Carter
- Georgia State University, Department of Psychology, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Kerry J Ressler
- McLean Hospital, Division of Depression and Anxiety, Belmont, MA, USA; Harvard Medical School, Department of Psychiatry, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Negar Fani
- Emory University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Nathaniel G Harnett
- McLean Hospital, Division of Depression and Anxiety, Belmont, MA, USA; Harvard Medical School, Department of Psychiatry, Boston, MA, USA.
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Erving CL, Zajdel RA, Blevins KM, Fields ND, Martin ZT, McKinnon II, Parker R, Murden RJ, Udaipuria S, Swanson S, Booker B, Burey T, Vaccarino V, Moore RH, Johnson DA, Lewis TT. The association between Superwoman schema and subjective sleep quality among Black women. Sleep Health 2024; 10:302-307. [PMID: 38403559 PMCID: PMC11162945 DOI: 10.1016/j.sleh.2023.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Similar to women overall, Black women are socialized to be communal and "self-sacrificing," but unlike women from other racial/ethnic backgrounds, Black women are also socialized to be "strong" and "invulnerable." This phenomenon is labeled Superwoman schema. This study examined associations between Superwoman schema endorsement and subjective sleep quality. METHODS Participants included 405 Black women (ages 30-46). Superwoman schema was measured using a 35-item scale capturing five dimensions: obligation to present strength, suppress emotions, resistance to vulnerability, motivation to succeed, and obligation to help others. Superwoman schema overall and the five dimensions/subscales were analyzed. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was used to investigate overall subjective sleep quality (range: 0-19), poor sleep quality (PSQI >5), and specific sleep domains (eg, sleep duration, sleep disturbances). We fit linear and binary logistic regression models, adjusting for health-related and sociodemographic factors. RESULTS Superwoman schema dimension obligation to help others was associated with lower overall subjective sleep quality (β: .81, 95%CI=0.29, 1.32) and poor sleep quality (OR: 1.55, 95%CI=1.10, 2.19), as well as bad subjective sleep quality (OR: 1.76, 95%CI=1.18, 2.66), sleep disturbances (β: .73, 95%CI =0.07, 1.41), and daytime sleepiness (OR: 2.01, 95%CI=1.25, 3.26). Suppress emotions (OR: 1.41, 95%CI=1.01, 1.99) was associated with poor subjective sleep quality. Superwoman schema overall was associated with daytime sleepiness (OR: 2.01, 95%CI=1.06, 3.82). CONCLUSION Superwoman schema endorsement, especially obligation to help others and suppress emotions, may be important psychosocial risk factors for Black women's sleep health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christy L Erving
- University of Texas at Austin, Department of Sociology & Population Research Center, Austin, Texas, USA.
| | - Rachel A Zajdel
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), Division of Intramural Research, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Kennedy M Blevins
- University of California, Irvine, School of Social Ecology, Department of Psychological Science, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Nicole D Fields
- Emory University, Rollins School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Zachary T Martin
- Emory University, Rollins School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Izraelle I McKinnon
- Emory University, Rollins School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Rachel Parker
- Emory University, Rollins School of Public Health, Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Department, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Raphiel J Murden
- Emory University, Rollins School of Public Health, Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Department, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Shivika Udaipuria
- Emory University, Rollins School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Seegar Swanson
- Emory University, Rollins School of Public Health, Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Department, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Bianca Booker
- Emory University, Rollins School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Taylor Burey
- Emory University, Rollins School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Viola Vaccarino
- Emory University, Rollins School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Reneé H Moore
- Drexel University, Dornsife School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Dayna A Johnson
- Emory University, Rollins School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Tené T Lewis
- Emory University, Rollins School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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Kaur G, Kobo O, Parwani P, Chieffo A, Gulati M, Mamas MA. Sex differences in Life's Essential Eight and its Association with mortality among US adults without known cardiovascular disease. Am J Prev Cardiol 2024; 18:100685. [PMID: 38939696 PMCID: PMC11208949 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpc.2024.100685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The American Heart Association's (AHA) Life's Essential 8 (LE8) score is a helpful tool to quantify cardiovascular health (CVH) metrics. We sought to assess sex differences in relation to LE8 and its components along with association with mortality. Methods The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) between 2009 and 2018 was utilized to evaluate the prevalence of health metrics included in LE8 among adult participants > age 18, stratified by sex. We categorized overall CVH, health factors, and health behaviors into 3 levels (low: <50, moderate: 50 -79, high: ≥80) following the AHA's algorithm. Health metrics were further subdivided into health behaviors (diet, physical activity, nicotine exposure, and sleep) and health factors (body mass index, non-high density lipoprotein cholesterol, blood glucose, and blood pressure). LE8 scores were also evaluated based on age, race/ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. Cox proportional hazard models were used to evaluate the association between the levels of CVH and risk of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality, with adjustment for age group and race. Results Among 22,761 participants, 52 % were female. Overall CVH score was similar in both females and males (65.8 vs. 65.9). Females had higher health factors score (64.3 vs. 63.1, p < 0.001) and lower health behaviors score (67.2 vs 68.6, p < 0.001). Amongst individual metrics, blood pressure score was higher in females (73.2 vs. 67.7, p < 0.001) while males had higher physical activity score (70.6 vs. 54.9, p < 0.001). For individuals under 65 years of age, overall CVH and health factors scores were higher in females while in those age 65 or older, males had higher scores. The most prominent sex differences were noted in non-Hispanic Black females who had significantly lower CVH scores than Black males (62.6 vs. 74.7, respectively, p < 0.001. High LE8 scores vs. low LE8 scores demonstrated lower all-cause (HR 0.37 vs 0.35) and CV mortality (HR 0.35 vs. 0.36) in both males and females, respectively (p-interaction 0.21 and 0.28). High health behaviors scores also demonstrated a significant association with lower all-cause (0.34 vs. 0.24) and CV mortality (HR 0.47 vs. 0.26) in both males and females, respectively (p-interaction 0.20 and 0.11). Conclusions We demonstrate important sex differences in CVH metrics along with notable variations based on age and race/ethnicity. Furthermore, we highlight that CVH metrics including health factors and health behaviors are associated with mortality in both females and males. These findings underscore the importance of designing and implementing effective strategies for both sexes, aimed at targeting these specific factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gurleen Kaur
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ofer Kobo
- Department of Cardiology, Hillel Yaffe Medical Center, Hadera, Israel
- Keele Cardiovascular Research Group, Centre for Prognosis Research, Keele University, Stoke-on-Trent, UK
| | - Purvi Parwani
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Loma Linda University Health, Loma Linda, California, USA
| | - Alaide Chieffo
- Vita Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
- Interventional Cardiology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Martha Gulati
- Department of Cardiology, Cedars-Sinai Smidt Heart Institute, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Mamas A. Mamas
- Keele Cardiovascular Research Group, Centre for Prognosis Research, Keele University, Stoke-on-Trent, UK
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Zare H, Gilmore DR, Assari S, Molina IB, Delarmente BA, Azadi M, Thorpe RJ. Income Inequality, Gender Disparities, and Ethnic Differences: Investigating Allostatic Load in American Adults. J Racial Ethn Health Disparities 2024:10.1007/s40615-024-02025-w. [PMID: 38743347 DOI: 10.1007/s40615-024-02025-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
AIM To estimate the association between income inequality and allostatic load score (AL) in adults ages 20 years and older, with a particular focus on the differential impacts across racial and gender groups. By examining this association, the study seeks to inform targeted policy interventions to mitigate health disparities exacerbated by economic inequality. METHODS Utilizing data from the 1999-2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), we assessed AL through eight biomarkers: systolic blood pressure (mm Hg), diastolic blood pressure (mm Hg), pulse rate (beats/min), body mass index (kg/m2), glycohemoglobin (%), direct HDL cholesterol (mg/dL), total cholesterol (mg/dL), and serum albumin (g/dL). Employing negative binomial regression (NBRG), we estimated incidence rate ratios (IRR) for a sample comprising 7367 men and 7814 women, adjusting for age, race/ethnicity, marital status, education, health insurance, comorbidity, and mental health professional utilization. Gini coefficients (GC) were calculated to assess income inequality among men and women. RESULTS Findings revealed that men exhibited a higher poverty-to-income ratio (PIR) compared to women (3.12 vs. 2.86, p < 0.01). Yet, women experienced higher rates of elevated AL (AL > 4) (31.8% vs. 29.0%) and were more adversely affected by income inequality (GC: 0.280 vs. 0.333). NBRG results indicated that high PIR individuals had a lower IRR (0.96; CI:0.92-0.95) compared to their low PIR counterparts, a trend observed in women but not men. High PIR was notably protective among White non-Hispanic (WNH) men and women. Additionally, vigorous and moderate physical activity engagement was associated with lower AL (IRR: 0.89, CI: 0.85-0.93). CONCLUSION The study emphasizes the importance of implementing policies that target AL in low-income populations across all racial groups, with a specific focus on Black non-Hispanic (BNH) and Hispanic communities. By prioritizing these groups, policies can more effectively target the nexus of income inequality, health disparities, and allostatic load, contributing to the reduction of health inequities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hossein Zare
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 624 N. Broadway, Hampton House 337, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
- The School of Business, University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC), College Park, USA.
| | - Danielle R Gilmore
- Edward A. Bouchet Graduate Honor Society Scholar, George Washington University, Washington, D.C., USA
| | - Shervin Assari
- Department of Family Medicine, Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | - Benjo A Delarmente
- UCLA Value-Based Care Research Consortium, Division of General Internal Medicine and Health Services Research, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Mojgan Azadi
- Montgomery College, Montgomery County, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Roland J Thorpe
- Department of Health, Behavior, and Society Program for Research on Men's Health, Hopkins Center for Health Disparities Solutions, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, USA
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Brown KK, Thomas SP, Brothers RM, Liao Y. "Lord Knows What's Being Done with My Blood!": Black Women's Perceptions of Biospecimen Donation for Clinical Research in the United States. J Racial Ethn Health Disparities 2024:10.1007/s40615-024-02015-y. [PMID: 38714639 DOI: 10.1007/s40615-024-02015-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2023] [Revised: 04/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/10/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Black women are underrepresented in clinical research and clinical trials. Knowledge gaps lead to biased clinical practice and care. There is a small but growing body of literature on Black women's perceptions about participation when biospecimen donation is sought by researchers. This is the first known study to investigate willingness to participate in clinical research involving biospecimen donation among Black women of reproductive age in the United States. METHODS This cross-sectional study recruited 496 Black women (ages 18-49) from a research crowdsourcing platform. Participants completed a 46-item online survey which asked about their willingness to provide blood samples for clinical health research and reasons for their willingness or for any unwillingness. Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis method were used to analyze the data. RESULTS Less than half (44%) of participants reported willingness to provide blood samples for clinical research. The most common concerns of those expressing unwillingness to provide samples were "fear of blood sample being misused" and "distrust with the health researchers handling the samples." We identified six qualitative themes from the analysis of participants' open-ended responses. The most important factors include a desire for integrity and transparency in research, institutional racism contributing to mistrust, and adequate compensation and clearly defined benefits to participation. CONCLUSIONS The recruitment and engagement of Black women in clinical biospecimen research should involve transparent, trustworthy, and anti-racist practices and informed respect for Black women's autonomy. There is a need to address Black women's concerns about exploitative profits and mistrust of academic and medical institutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyrah K Brown
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Texas at Arlington, 500 W. Nedderman Drive, Arlington, TX, 76019, USA.
| | | | - R Mathew Brothers
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Texas at Arlington, 500 W. Nedderman Drive, Arlington, TX, 76019, USA
| | - Yue Liao
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Texas at Arlington, 500 W. Nedderman Drive, Arlington, TX, 76019, USA
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10
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Brown KL, Bettencourt AF, Hines AL, Cooper LA, Gudzune KA. Association Between Maladaptive Eating Behaviors Among Black Women and Vicarious Racial Discrimination Following a High-Profile Event. J Racial Ethn Health Disparities 2024:10.1007/s40615-024-01994-2. [PMID: 38578573 DOI: 10.1007/s40615-024-01994-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Evidence suggests that racial discrimination causes stress among non-Hispanic Black women, and some Black women may cope with exposure to vicarious racial discrimination by engaging in maladaptive eating behaviors. METHODS We examined eating behaviors among Black women (N = 254) before and after Freddie Gray's death while in police custody. Maladaptive eating behaviors were assessed using the three-factor eating questionnaire. Our independent variables included the following: (1) time period and (2) geographic proximity to the event. Three two-way analysis of covariance tests were conducted to assess potential effects of geographic proximity (close, distant), time period in relation to unrest (before, after unrest), and their interaction on emotional eating, uncontrolled eating, and cognitive restraint controlling for participant age. RESULTS There was a statistically significant main effect of proximity to the unrest on emotional eating, F (1, 252) = 5.64, p = .018, and partial η2 = .022 such that women living in close geographic proximity to the unrest reported higher mean levels of emotional eating as compared to those living more distant to the unrest. There was also a borderline statistically significant interaction between geographic proximity and time period on cognitive restraint, F (1, 252) = 3.89, p = .050, and partial η2 = .015. CONCLUSION Our study found a relationship between vicarious racial discrimination and maladaptive eating behaviors among Black women. Future work should examine stress related to vicarious racial discrimination and maladaptive eating behaviors longitudinally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristal Lyn Brown
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Department of Creative Arts Therapies, College of Nursing and Health Professions, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
| | - Amie F Bettencourt
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Anika L Hines
- Department of Health Policy, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Population Health, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Lisa A Cooper
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Kimberly A Gudzune
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
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11
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Criss S, Kim M, De La Cruz MM, Thai N, Nguyen QC, Hswen Y, Gee GC, Nguyen TT. Vigilance and Protection: How Asian and Pacific Islander, Black, Latina, and Middle Eastern Women Cope with Racism. J Racial Ethn Health Disparities 2024; 11:773-782. [PMID: 36917397 PMCID: PMC10013280 DOI: 10.1007/s40615-023-01560-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research is needed to fully investigate the differential mechanisms racial and ethnic groups use to deal with ongoing intersectional racism in women's lives. The aim of this paper was to understand how Asian American and Pacific Islander, Black, Latina, and Middle Eastern women experience racism-from personal perceptions and interactions to coping mechanisms and methods of protection. METHODS A purposive sample of 52 participants participated in 11 online racially/ethnically homogeneous focus groups conducted throughout the USA. A team consensus approach was utilized with codebook development and thematic analysis. RESULTS The findings relate to personal perceptions and interactions related to race and ethnicity, methods of protection against racism, vigilant behavior based on safety concerns, and unity across people of color. A few unique concerns by group included experiences of racism including physical violence among Asian American Pacific Islander groups, police brutality among Black groups, immigration discrimination in Latina groups, and religious discrimination in Middle Eastern groups. Changes in behavior for safety and protection include altering methods of transportation, teaching their children safety measures, and defending their immigration status. They shared strategies to help racial and ethnic minorities against racism including mental health resources and greater political representation. All racial and ethnic groups discussed the need for unity, solidarity, and allyship across various communities of color but for it to be authentic and long-lasting. CONCLUSION Greater understanding of the types of racism specific groups experience can inform policies and cultural change to reduce those factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaniece Criss
- Department of Health Sciences, Furman University, Greenville, SC, 29613, USA.
| | - Melanie Kim
- Department of Anthropology, Brown University, Providence, RI, 02912, USA
| | - Monica M De La Cruz
- School of Social Welfare, University of California, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | - Nhung Thai
- Department of Nutritional Sciences and Toxicology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | - Quynh C Nguyen
- Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA
| | - Yulin Hswen
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Bakar Computational Health Sciences Institute, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, USA
| | - Gilbert C Gee
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Thu T Nguyen
- Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA
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12
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Suslovic B, Lett E. Resilience is an Adverse Event: A Critical Discussion of Resilience Theory in Health Services Research and Public Health. COMMUNITY HEALTH EQUITY RESEARCH & POLICY 2024; 44:339-343. [PMID: 36856261 PMCID: PMC10919062 DOI: 10.1177/2752535x231159721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/02/2023]
Abstract
Resilience, the individual trait of being able to persist and cope with, often recurrent, negative experiences, has experienced an explosion in recent years as a topic of study. In this commentary, we critique this surge and problematize the co-occurring development of the "resilience as treatment" paradigm. We show that resilience is an expectation foisted primarily on historically and contemporarily oppressed and excluded populations often in response to systemic and structural forms of discrimination. We argue that this represents a fundamental mismatch of intervention and problem; offering an individual-level solution to a structural toxin. In doing so, we re-contextualize resilience as an adverse event, more analogous to scar tissue than a reliable treatment paradigm. Our essay concludes with offering alternatives to resilience that originate with the holistic trauma and liberation health frameworks. These paradigms are united in that, in contrast to resilience, they emphasize healing from structural violence, rather than adapting to it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brianna Suslovic
- The Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Elle Lett
- Computational Health Informatics Program, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Center for Applied Transgender Studies, Chicago, IL, USA
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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13
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Chaney KE, Pham MD, Cipollina R. Black Americans suppress emotions when prejudice is believed to stem from shared ignorance. Front Psychol 2024; 15:1336552. [PMID: 38562242 PMCID: PMC10982414 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1336552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Past research examining lay theories of the origins of prejudice has focused on white Americans and has not considered how Black Americans' lay theories of prejudice may impact emotion regulation following discrimination. Across three samples of Black Americans (N = 419), the present research examined relationships between endorsement of two lay theories of prejudice origins (1, beliefs that prejudice stems from shared social ignorance and 2, that prejudice stems from malice). Stronger beliefs that prejudice stems from shared ignorance were associated with greater expression suppression following experiences of racial discrimination (studies 1b and 2), which was, in turn, associated with psychological distress (study 2). By centering the beliefs and experiences of Black Americans in response to discrimination events, the present research has implications for understanding how emotion regulation following racial discrimination is impacted by marginalized groups' conceptualizations of prejudice. Future research should investigate how these factors impact health disparities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly E. Chaney
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
| | - Minh Duc Pham
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
| | - Rebecca Cipollina
- Social Behavioral Sciences, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States
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14
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Cousin L. Cardio-oncology disparities: Interplay of psychosocial stress, inflammation, and cardiometabolic health among Black breast cancer survivors. AMERICAN HEART JOURNAL PLUS : CARDIOLOGY RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2024; 38:100366. [PMID: 38510748 PMCID: PMC10945988 DOI: 10.1016/j.ahjo.2024.100366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Black breast cancer (BC) survivors have a lower survival rate at every stage of the disease, largely due to a higher BC mortality rate of 41 %, more aggressive forms of BC, cardiovascular comorbidities, and stress related to structural inequities. An underexplored factor is Black women's increased risk for cardiometabolic syndrome (CM), exacerbating cardio-oncology disparities. Many factors associated with increased risk for CM are modifiable through lifestyle behavior interventions and generally fail to improve outcomes among Black women. This lack of efficacy is likely due to the interventions' failure to address the cumulative effects of long-term exposure to psychosocial stressors unique to Black women using cultural frameworks. The protocol design of an 8-week pilot study was presented at the inaugural UF Health Cardio-Oncology Symposium, "Emerging Topics in Cardio-Oncology." Twenty-six selfreported Black BC survivors will be randomized using a two-group parallel random assignment experimental design, and study details are reported on ClinicalTrials.gov (#NCT05473026). Our primary aim is to assess the feasibility and acceptability of a culturally relevant gratitude journaling intervention to manage stress and promote goalsetting techniques. The second aim is to test the preliminary efficacy of the intervention on stress, inflammatory biomarkers (TNF-α, IL-6, GDF15, CRP), dispositional gratitude, spiritual well-being, and a culturally relevant framework (Superwoman Schema) to examine stressors unique to Black women. If found to be effective, this clinical trial will provide evidence of a viable non-pharmacological intervention for managing psychosocial stressors, improving CM risk, and reducing cardio-oncology disparities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lakeshia Cousin
- Department of Family, Community and Health Systems Science, College of Nursing, Cardio-Oncology Working Group, University of Florida Health Cancer Center, Gainesville, FL, USA
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15
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McLaurin N, Tabibi D, Wang T, Alhalimi T, Lehrer HM, Harrison L, Tanaka H, Steinhardt MA. Coping With Discrimination Among African Americans With Type 2 Diabetes: Factor Structure and Associations With Diabetes Control, Mental Distress, and Psychosocial Resources. Prev Chronic Dis 2024; 21:E06. [PMID: 38271491 PMCID: PMC10833829 DOI: 10.5888/pcd21.230189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Type 2 diabetes undermines diabetes-related health outcomes among African Americans, who have a disproportionately high incidence of the disease. Experiences of discrimination are common among African Americans and compound diabetes-related stress, exacerbating poor health outcomes. Appropriate use of coping strategies may mitigate the detrimental effect of discrimination on diabetes-related outcomes, but examining associations between coping strategies and health outcomes is needed to inform potential interventions. This study assessed the factor structure of the Coping with Discrimination Scale (CDS) among African American adults with type 2 diabetes and examined associations of CDS subscales with measures of diabetes control, mental distress, and psychosocial resources. Methods The CDS was administered primarily through churches to African Americans with type 2 diabetes residing in Austin, Texas, and surrounding areas. Data were collected from August 2020 through April 2023. We conducted principal axis factor analysis of the CDS and determined internal consistency for each factor. We computed bivariate and partial correlations between CDS subscales and indicators of diabetes control (hemoglobin A1c, diabetes self-management), mental distress (diabetes distress, perceived stress, depressive symptoms), and psychosocial resources (resilience, social support, self-efficacy). Results The 284 African American adults (204 women, 80 men) ranged in age from 23 to 86 years (mean [SD] = 62 [11] y). We identified 4 factors: education/advocacy, internalization, strong response, and detachment. Scores were highest for education/advocacy items and lowest for strong response items. Education/advocacy was associated with higher scores on psychosocial resources, whereas detachment was associated with lower scores. Internalization and strong response were associated with higher mental distress. Strong response was associated with higher hemoglobin A1c, and education/advocacy was associated with enhanced diabetes self-management. Conclusion We suggest health care professionals create culturally tailored interventions that aid individuals in educating others, advocating for themselves, or recognizing situations outside one's control and detaching from responsibility, rather than internalizing experiences of discrimination or engaging in strong responses that upon reflection are detrimental to one's health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie McLaurin
- Department of Kinesiology and Health Education, The University of Texas at Austin
| | - Doonya Tabibi
- Department of Kinesiology and Health Education, The University of Texas at Austin
| | - Tianyu Wang
- Department of Kinesiology and Health Education, The University of Texas at Austin
| | - Taha Alhalimi
- Department of Kinesiology and Health Education, The University of Texas at Austin
| | - H Matthew Lehrer
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Louis Harrison
- Department of Kinesiology and Health Education, The University of Texas at Austin
| | - Hirofumi Tanaka
- Department of Kinesiology and Health Education, The University of Texas at Austin
| | - Mary A Steinhardt
- Department of Kinesiology and Health Education, The University of Texas at Austin, 2109 San Jacinto Blvd, D3700, Austin, TX 78712
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16
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Erving CL, McKinnon II, Van Dyke ME, Murden R, Udaipuria S, Vaccarino V, Moore RH, Booker B, Lewis TT. Superwoman Schema and self-rated health in black women: Is socioeconomic status a moderator? Soc Sci Med 2024; 340:116445. [PMID: 38043442 PMCID: PMC10959495 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2023.116445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Superwoman Schema (SWS) construct elucidates Black women's socialization to be strong, suppress their emotions, resist vulnerability, succeed despite limited resources, and help others at their own expense. Drawing from intersectionality and social psychological research on self-schemas, this study examined the extent to which SWS was associated with Black women's self-rated health. We also investigated whether socioeconomic status (SES) moderated the association between SWS, its five dimensions, and self-rated health. METHODS Data were from the Mechanisms Underlying Stress and Emotions (MUSE) in African-American Women's Health Study, a cohort of African American self-identified women. SWS was assessed using Giscombé's 35-item Superwoman Schema Scale. Socioeconomic status was measured by household income and educational attainment. Ordered logistic regression models were used and statistical interactions were run to test for moderation (N = 408). RESULTS First, SWS dimension "obligation to help others" was associated with worse self-rated health (p < .05). Second, household income, but not education, moderated the association between SWS and self-rated health (p < .05): SWS overall was associated with worse self-rated health among higher income women but better self-rated health among lower income women. Third, income moderated the association between SWS dimension "obligation to present an image of strength" and self-rated health (p < .05): presenting strength was associated with better self-rated health for lower income women only. Fourth, moderation results revealed that SWS dimension "obligation to help others" was inversely associated with self-rated health particularly among higher income women. CONCLUSIONS Findings speak to the complex interplay between SES and SWS dimensions as they relate to Black women's perceived health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christy L Erving
- The University of Texas at Austin, College of Liberal Arts, Department of Sociology, Population Research Center, USA.
| | - Izraelle I McKinnon
- Emory University, Rollins School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology, USA
| | - Miriam E Van Dyke
- Emory University, Rollins School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology, USA
| | - Raphiel Murden
- Emory University, Rollins School of Public Health, Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Department, USA
| | - Shivika Udaipuria
- Emory University, Rollins School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology, USA
| | - Viola Vaccarino
- Emory University, Rollins School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology, USA
| | - Reneé H Moore
- Drexel University, Dornsife School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, USA
| | - Bianca Booker
- Emory University, Rollins School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology, USA
| | - Tené T Lewis
- Emory University, Rollins School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology, USA
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17
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Chen JC, Handley D, Elsaid MI, Plascak JJ, Andersen BL, Carson WE, Pawlik TM, Carlos RC, Obeng-Gyasi S. The Implications of Racialized Economic Segregation and Allostatic Load on Mortality in Patients with Breast Cancer. Ann Surg Oncol 2024; 31:365-375. [PMID: 37865937 DOI: 10.1245/s10434-023-14431-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The objective of this study was to examine the association between racialized economic segregation, allostatic load (AL), and all-cause mortality in patients with breast cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS Women aged 18+ years with stage I-III breast cancer diagnosed between 01/01/2012 and 31/12/2020 were identified in the Ohio State University cancer registry. Racialized economic segregation was measured at the census tract level using the index of concentration at the extremes (ICE). AL was calculated with biomarkers from the cardiac, metabolic, immune, and renal systems. High AL was defined as AL greater than the median. Univariable and multivariable regression analyses using restricted cubic splines examined the association between racialized economic segregation, AL, and all-cause mortality. RESULTS Among 4296 patients, patients residing in neighborhoods with the highest racialized economic segregation (Q1 versus Q4) were more likely to be Black (25% versus 2.1%, p < 0.001) and have triple-negative breast cancer (18.2% versus 11.6%, p < 0.001). High versus low racialized economic segregation was associated with high AL [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.40, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.21-1.61] and worse all-cause mortality [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 1.41, 95% CI 1.08-1.83]. In dose-response analyses, patients in lower segregated neighborhoods (relative to the 95th percentile) had lower odds of high AL, whereas patients in more segregated neighborhoods had a non-linear increase in the odds of high AL. DISCUSSION Racialized economic segregation is associated with high AL and a greater risk of all-cause mortality in patients with breast cancer. Additional studies are needed to elucidate the causal pathways and mechanisms linking AL, neighborhood factors, and patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- J C Chen
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Demond Handley
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- Secondary Data Core, Center for Biostatistics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, USA
| | - Mohamed I Elsaid
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- Secondary Data Core, Center for Biostatistics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, USA
| | - Jesse J Plascak
- Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | | | - William E Carson
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Timothy M Pawlik
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Ruth C Carlos
- Division of Radiology, University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Samilia Obeng-Gyasi
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
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18
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McCall T, Foster M, Tomlin HR, Schwartz TA. Black American women's attitudes toward seeking mental health services and use of mobile technology to support the management of anxiety. JAMIA Open 2023; 6:ooad088. [PMID: 37860603 PMCID: PMC10582519 DOI: 10.1093/jamiaopen/ooad088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives This study aimed to understand Black American women's attitudes toward seeking mental health services and using mobile technology to receive support for managing anxiety. Methods A self-administered web-based questionnaire was launched in October 2019 and closed in January 2020. Women who identified as Black/African American were eligible to participate. The survey consisted of approximately 70 questions and covered topics such as, attitudes toward seeking professional psychological help, acceptability of using a mobile phone to receive mental health care, and screening for anxiety. Results The findings of the study (N = 395) showed that younger Black women were more likely to have greater severity of anxiety than their older counterparts. Respondents were most comfortable with the use of a voice call or video call to communicate with a professional to receive support to manage anxiety in comparison to text messaging or mobile app. Younger age, higher income, and greater scores for psychological openness and help-seeking propensity increased odds of indicating agreement with using mobile technology to communicate with a professional. Black women in the Southern region of the United States had twice the odds of agreeing to the use of mobile apps than women in the Midwest and Northeast regions. Discussion Black American women, in general, have favorable views toward the use of mobile technology to receive support to manage anxiety. Conclusion Preferences and cultural appropriateness of resources should be assessed on an individual basis to increase likelihood of adoption and engagement with digital mental health interventions for management of anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Terika McCall
- Division of Health Informatics, Department of Biostatistics, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT 06510, United States
- Section of Biomedical Informatics and Data Science, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, United States
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS (CIRA), Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT 06510, United States
| | - Meagan Foster
- Division of Health Informatics, Department of Biostatistics, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT 06510, United States
| | - Holly R Tomlin
- Division of Health Informatics, Department of Biostatistics, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT 06510, United States
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Health Analytics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, United States
| | - Todd A Schwartz
- Department of Biostatistics, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, United States
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Woods-Giscombe CL, Williams KP, Conklin J, Dodd A, Bravo L, Anderson AM, Frazier T, Bey G, Robinson MN, Warren BJ, Wight KD, Felix AS, Anderson CM, Hood DB. A scoping review of the concept of resilience among African American women. Arch Psychiatr Nurs 2023; 46:107-120. [PMID: 37813493 DOI: 10.1016/j.apnu.2023.04.008] [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: 03/09/2022] [Revised: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
Resilience, thriving in the face of adversity, is a critical component of well-being in African American women. However, traditional definitions and approaches to operationalize resilience may not capture race- and gender-related resilience experiences of African American women. A more complete conceptualization of resilience may help facilitate future investigation of the mechanisms through which resilience influences health in this group. Our team conducted a scoping review of the literature published during twenty years, between 2000 and 2019, on resilience and health in African American women. We included a multidisciplinary set of databases (PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Scopus, Social Work Abstracts, Sociological Abstracts, Academic Search Premier). Using Covidence software a multi-step review process was conducted; 904 abstracts were initially screened for eligibility, 219 full-text studies were screened in stage two, and 22 remaining studies were reviewed for extraction. The studies reviewed revealed limitations of unidimensional approaches to conceptualizing/operationalizing resilience in African American women. The review highlighted culturally-relevant components of resilience including spirituality/religion, strength, survival, active coping, and social support. Findings highlight the importance of operationalizing resilience as a multidimensional construct so it can be optimally included in research designed to investigate the quality of life, cardiovascular risk, and other health outcomes in African American women.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jamie Conklin
- The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, United States of America
| | - Adam Dodd
- The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, United States of America
| | - Lilian Bravo
- The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, United States of America
| | | | - Taleah Frazier
- The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, United States of America
| | - Ganga Bey
- The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, United States of America
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20
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Mayer SE, Guan J, Lin J, Hamlat E, Parker JE, Brownell K, Price C, Mujahid M, Tomiyama AJ, Slavich GM, Laraia BA, Epel ES. Intergenerational effects of maternal lifetime stressor exposure on offspring telomere length in Black and White women. Psychol Med 2023; 53:6171-6182. [PMID: 36457292 PMCID: PMC10235210 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291722003397] [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] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although maternal stressor exposure has been associated with shorter telomere length (TL) in offspring, this literature is based largely on White samples. Furthermore, timing of maternal stressors has rarely been examined. Here, we examined how maternal stressors occurring during adolescence, pregnancy, and across the lifespan related to child TL in Black and White mothers. METHOD Mothers (112 Black; 110 White; Mage = 39) and their youngest offspring (n = 222; Mage = 8) were part of a larger prospective cohort study, wherein mothers reported their stressors during adolescence (assessed twice during adolescence for the past year), pregnancy (assessed in midlife for most recent pregnancy), and across their lifespan (assessed in midlife). Mother and child provided saliva for TL measurement. Multiple linear regression models examined the interaction of maternal stressor exposure and race in relation to child TL, controlling for maternal TL and child gender and age. Race-stratified analyses were also conducted. RESULTS Neither maternal adolescence nor lifespan stressors interacted with race in relation to child TL. In contrast, greater maternal pregnancy stressors were associated with shorter child TL, but this effect was present for children of White but not Black mothers. Moreover, this effect was significant for financial but not social pregnancy stressors. Race-stratified models revealed that greater financial pregnancy stressors predicted shorter telomeres in offspring of White, but not Black mothers. CONCLUSIONS Race and maternal stressors interact and are related to biological aging across generations, but these effects are specific to certain races, stressors, and exposure time periods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie E. Mayer
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143-0984, USA
| | - Joanna Guan
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143-0984, USA
| | - Jue Lin
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Elissa Hamlat
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143-0984, USA
| | - Jordan E. Parker
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Kristy Brownell
- School of Public Health, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Candice Price
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Mahasin Mujahid
- School of Public Health, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - A. Janet Tomiyama
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - George M. Slavich
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Barbara A. Laraia
- School of Public Health, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Elissa S. Epel
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143-0984, USA
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Hill-Jarrett TG. The Black radical imagination: a space of hope and possible futures. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1241922. [PMID: 37808484 PMCID: PMC10557459 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1241922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The radical imagination entails stepping outside the confines of the now and into the expansiveness of what could be. It has been described as the ability to dream of possible futures and bring these possibilities back to the present to drive social transformation. This perspective paper seeks to provide an overview of the radical imagination and its intersections with Afrofuturism, a framework and artistic epistemology that expresses the Black cultural experience through a space of hope where Blackness is integral. In this paper, I propose three processes that comprise the radical imagination: (1) imagining alternative Black futures, (2) radical hope, and (3) collective courage. I consider the neural networks that underlie each process and consider how the Black radical imagination is a portal through which aging Black adults experience hope and envision futures that drive social change. I conclude with considerations of what brain health and healing justice looks like for aging Black Americans- specifically, how invocation of the Black radical imagination may have positive brain health effects for a demographic group at increased risk for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanisha G. Hill-Jarrett
- Global Brain Health Institute, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Department of Neurology, Memory and Aging Center, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
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22
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Williams A, Nolan TS, Brock G, Garner J, Brewer LC, Sanchez EJ, Joseph JJ. Association of Socioeconomic Status With Life's Essential 8 Varies by Race and Ethnicity. J Am Heart Assoc 2023; 12:e029254. [PMID: 37702137 PMCID: PMC10547287 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.122.029254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023]
Abstract
Background The American Heart Association's Life's Essential 8 (LE8) are 8 risk factors for cardiovascular disease, with poor attainment across all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups. Attainment is lowest among Americans of low socioeconomic status (SES). Evidence suggests the association of SES with LE8 may vary by race and ethnicity. Methods and Results The association of 4 SES categories (education, income-to-poverty line ratio, employment, insurance) with LE8 was computed in age-adjusted linear regression models, with an interaction term for race and ethnicity, using National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data, years 2011 to 2018. The sample (n=13 529) had a median age of 48 years (51% female) with weighting to be representative of the US population. The magnitude of positive association of college education (relative to ≤high school) with LE8 was greater among non-Hispanic White Americans (NHWA) compared with non-Hispanic Black Americans, Hispanic Americans, and non-Hispanic Asian Americans (all interactions P<0.001). NHWA had a greater magnitude of positive association of income-to-poverty line ratio with LE8, compared with non-Hispanic Black Americans, Hispanic Americans, and non-Hispanic Asian Americans (all interactions P<0.001). NHWA with Medicaid compared with private insurance had a greater magnitude of negative association with LE8 compared with non-Hispanic Black Americans, non-Hispanic Asian Americans, or Hispanic Americans (all interactions P<0.01). NHWA unemployed due to disability or health condition (compared with employed) had a greater magnitude of negative association with LE8 than non-Hispanic Black Americans, non-Hispanic Asian Americans, or Hispanic Americans (all interactions P<0.05). Conclusions The magnitude of association of SES with LE8 is greatest among NHWA. More research is needed on SES's role in LE8 attainment in minority group populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amaris Williams
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes & MetabolismThe Ohio State University College of MedicineColumbusOHUSA
| | | | - Guy Brock
- Department of Biomedical InformaticsThe Ohio State University College of MedicineColumbusOHUSA
| | - Jennifer Garner
- The School of Health and Rehabilitation SciencesThe Ohio State University College of MedicineColumbusOHUSA
- John Glenn College of Public AffairsThe Ohio State UniversityColumbusOHUSA
| | - LaPrincess C. Brewer
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Division of Preventive CardiologyMayo Clinic College of MedicineRochesterMNUSA
- Center for Health Equity and Community Engagement ResearchMayo ClinicRochesterMNUSA
| | | | - Joshua J. Joseph
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes & MetabolismThe Ohio State University College of MedicineColumbusOHUSA
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MICHAELS ELIK, LAM‐HINE TRACY, NGUYEN THUT, GEE GILBERTC, ALLEN AMANIM. The Water Surrounding the Iceberg: Cultural Racism and Health Inequities. Milbank Q 2023; 101:768-814. [PMID: 37435779 PMCID: PMC10509530 DOI: 10.1111/1468-0009.12662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Policy Points Cultural racism-or the widespread values that privilege and protect Whiteness and White social and economic power-permeates all levels of society, uplifts other dimensions of racism, and contributes to health inequities. Overt forms of racism, such as racial hate crimes, represent only the "tip of the iceberg," whereas structural and institutional racism represent its base. This paper advances cultural racism as the "water surrounding the iceberg," allowing it to float while obscuring its base. Considering the fundamental role of cultural racism is needed to advance health equity. CONTEXT Cultural racism is a pervasive social toxin that surrounds all other dimensions of racism to produce and maintain racial health inequities. Yet, cultural racism has received relatively little attention in the public health literature. The purpose of this paper is to 1) provide public health researchers and policymakers with a clearer understanding of what cultural racism is, 2) provide an understanding of how it operates in conjunction with the other dimensions of racism to produce health inequities, and 3) offer directions for future research and interventions on cultural racism. METHODS We conducted a nonsystematic, multidisciplinary review of theory and empirical evidence that conceptualizes, measures, and documents the consequences of cultural racism for social and health inequities. FINDINGS Cultural racism can be defined as a culture of White supremacy, which values, protects, and normalizes Whiteness and White social and economic power. This ideological system operates at the level of our shared social consciousness and is expressed in the language, symbols, and media representations of dominant society. Cultural racism surrounds and bolsters structural, institutional, personally mediated, and internalized racism, undermining health through material, cognitive/affective, biologic, and behavioral mechanisms across the life course. CONCLUSIONS More time, research, and funding is needed to advance measurement, elucidate mechanisms, and develop evidence-based policy interventions to reduce cultural racism and promote health equity.
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Affiliation(s)
- ELI K. MICHAELS
- Division of Epidemiology, School of Public HealthUniversity of California
| | - TRACY LAM‐HINE
- Division of Epidemiology & Population HealthStanford University School of Medicine
| | | | - GILBERT C. GEE
- Jonathan and Karin Fielding School of Public HealthUniversity of California
| | - AMANI M. ALLEN
- Division of Epidemiology, School of Public HealthUniversity of California
- Division of Community Health Sciences, School of Public HealthUniversity of California
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24
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Denyse T, Martin KJ, Kim JHJ, Pageot YK, Owoyemi P, DeLuz KD, Stanton AL. "No Complaining, No Crying": A Qualitative Study of the Strong Black Woman Schema in the Breast Cancer Context. Ann Behav Med 2023; 57:733-742. [PMID: 37318273 PMCID: PMC10441856 DOI: 10.1093/abm/kaad029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Black women have the highest mortality from breast cancer compared with other racial/ethnic groups. Black women with breast cancer also evidence compromised quality of life in some domains. Culturally relevant aspects of their experience are understudied. PURPOSE The goal of this qualitative study was to examine the relevance of the Strong Black Woman schema in the cancer context. METHODS Three Gatherings (i.e., culturally curated focus groups) were conducted with Black women who had been diagnosed with breast cancer and recruited from cancer-related listservs and events. A five-person team conducted reflexive thematic analysis of Gathering transcripts. RESULTS The 37 participants ranged in age (30 to 94 years) and in diagnosis duration (2 months to 29 years). Reflexive thematic analysis yielded six themes that characterized the women's experience: historical legacy of the Strong Black Woman, navigating intersecting Strong Black Woman identities, everyday challenges encountered on the battlefield by Strong Black Women, Strong Black Woman in action during the breast cancer journey, the complexities of seeking and accepting support, and the liberated Strong Black Woman. The schema's negative consequences included the oncologic team and others expecting the participants to be strong and not to need support. Expectations to suppress emotions and continue caring for others to the neglect of the self also were evident. Positive consequences included engaging in self-advocacy in the oncologic context and redefining strength to include expressing emotions and accepting help. CONCLUSIONS The Strong Black Woman schema is highly relevant in the breast cancer context and could be addressed in culturally centered interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kimberly J Martin
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jacqueline H J Kim
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Yrvane K Pageot
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Praise Owoyemi
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | - Annette L Stanton
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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25
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Martz CD, Wang Y, Chung KW, Jiakponnah NN, I Danila M, Webb-Detiege T, Allen AM, Chae DH. Incident racial discrimination predicts elevated C-Reactive protein in the Black Women's experiences Living with Lupus (BeWELL) study. Brain Behav Immun 2023; 112:77-84. [PMID: 37286173 PMCID: PMC10919347 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2023.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Racial discrimination is a distinct health threat that increases disease risk among Black Americans. Psychosocial stress may compromise health through inflammatory mechanisms. This study examines incident experiences of racial discrimination and changes in the inflammatory biomarker C-reactive protein (CRP) over a two-year period among Black women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)-an inflammatory autoimmune disease sensitive to psychosocial stress and characterized by stark racial inequities in outcomes. METHODS Data are from the Black Women's Experiences Living with Lupus (BeWELL) Study. Participants (n = 380) from metropolitan Atlanta, Georgia were enrolled from April 2015 to May 2017. Incident racial discrimination was assessed bi-annually via self-report using the Experiences of Discrimination measure. CRP was assessed annually over a two-year period. Latent change score analyses modeled longitudinal within-person associations between incident racial discrimination and change in log-transformed CRP from baseline to Year 2. RESULTS Incident experiences of racial discrimination were associated with elevated log-CRP across the two-year study period (b = 0.039, SE = 0.017, 95% CI: 0.006, 0.071). For each domain of incident racial discrimination experienced, CRP increased 3.98%. CONCLUSION This study contributes to growing evidence on the biological consequences of racism and is the first to document an association between incident racial discrimination and changes in inflammation among Black women with SLE. Racial inequities in SLE outcomes and other diseases driven by inflammatory pathways may be explained in part through experiences of racial discrimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Connor D Martz
- Population Research Center, The University of Texas at Austin, 305 E. 23(rd) Street, Stop G1800, RLP 2.602, Austin, TX 78712, United States.
| | - Yijie Wang
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Michigan State University, 552 W. Circle Drive, Human Ecology, 13C, East Lansing, MI 48824, United States
| | - Kara W Chung
- Department of Social, Behavioral, and Population Sciences, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, 1440 Canal Street, Suite 2210, New Orleans, LA 70112, United States
| | - Nwanyieze N Jiakponnah
- Tulane Center for Aging, Tulane University School of Medicine, 1430 Tulane Avenue, Suite 8513, New Orleans, LA 70112, United States
| | - Maria I Danila
- Division of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, 510 20(th) Street South #834, Birmingham, AL 35294, United States
| | - Tamika Webb-Detiege
- Department of Rheumatology, Ochsner Health, 1514 Jefferson Highway, New Orleans, LA 70121, United States; The University of Queensland School of Medicine, Ochsner Clinical School, New Orleans, LA 70121, United States
| | - Amani M Allen
- Divisions of Community Health Sciences and Epidemiology, University of California Berkeley School of Public Health, 2121 Berkeley Way, Berkeley, CA 94720, United States
| | - David H Chae
- Department of Social, Behavioral, and Population Sciences, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, 1440 Canal Street, Suite 2210, New Orleans, LA 70112, United States
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26
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McDaniel G, Akinwunmi S, Brenya V, Kidane H, Nydegger L. Superwoman schema: uncovering repercussions of coping strategies used among Black women at high risk for HIV. ETHNICITY & HEALTH 2023; 28:874-894. [PMID: 36824000 PMCID: PMC10440248 DOI: 10.1080/13557858.2023.2179570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The Superwomen Schema (SWS) describes a social framework that encompasses the role that many Black women adopt in response to chronic stress, financial pressures, and an intersection of oppression. Woods-Giscombé (Superwoman Schema: African American Women's Views on Stress, Strength, and Health. Qualitative Health Research 20 (5): 668-683, 2010) characterizes SWS using five tenets: obligation to manifest strength, obligation to suppress emotions, resistance to vulnerability or dependency, determination to succeed despite a lack of resources, and an obligation to help others. The goal of this study is to determine the connection between SWS among Black women and substance use as a means of maintaining mental health, garnering resilience, and coping with external pressures. We aimed to highlight systemic and infrastructural racism and prejudice and how they relate, not only to the adoption of SWS, but also how they may contribute to substance use. This study is a secondary analysis of a larger study on HIV prevention Black and Latine women at high risk for HIV. Only Black participants (n = 10) were included in this secondary analysis. The interviews were conducted 3 times across 3 months. Interviews were coded and analyzed using thematic content analysis in NVivo. Themes of undiagnosed mental health symptoms, medical mistrust, institutional distrust, and aversion to help-seeking were recurrent in our data. Our research confirmed and assessed dual repercussions of SWS among Black women both as a defense that granted resilience in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds and as a construct that encouraged substance use as a coping mechanism for compromised mental health. This study contextualized this subset of coping and substance use to address and dismantle systemic contributors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabrielle McDaniel
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, USA
| | - Shalom Akinwunmi
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, USA
| | - Velta Brenya
- Department of Sociology & Health and Society, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, USA
| | - Heran Kidane
- Department of Kinesiology & Health Education, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, USA
| | - Liesl Nydegger
- Department of Kinesiology & Health Education, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, USA
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Fanfan D, Rodríguez C, Stacciarini JMR. Strès ak Pwoblèm Pap Janm Fini: Deciphering migration-related stress from the perspectives of Haitian immigrants in Florida. Transcult Psychiatry 2023; 60:717-732. [PMID: 37097922 DOI: 10.1177/13634615231164524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2023]
Abstract
Relocating and starting a new life in a foreign country may entail a constellation of new stressors for Haitian immigrants; thus, research that enhances our understanding of how this vulnerable population contextualizes migration-related stress is necessary. The objectives of this study were to: (a) identify what factors are associated with migration-related stress, and (b) describe which and why specific migration-related stressors were most significant from the perspective of those suffering from high migration-related stress post migration via the stress proliferation lens of the stress process model. In this mixed-methods, sequential, explanatory pilot study, first-generation Haitian immigrants (N = 76) were recruited to operationalize migration-related stress, using the Demands of Immigration Scale (DIS). Participants (n = 8), who scored 25 or higher on the DIS, completed an in-depth audio-recorded follow-up interview that consisted of open-ended questions and a stressor-ranking questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlations, multiple linear regression (quantitative), and thematic analysis with a double-coded approach (qualitative) were employed to analyze the data. Female gender, older age, English fluency, and migration after the age of 18 years were associated with higher migration-related stress. However, only gender and English fluency predicted migration-related stress. In interviews, participants ranked five migration-related stressors as most stressful: language barriers, financial strains, loss of social networks, family conflicts, and exposure to discrimination/stigma. A nuanced depiction of migration-related stressors and proliferation mechanisms of migration-related stress may help identify areas where support and preventive efforts should be directed to improve social integration, stress levels, and mental well-being among immigrants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dany Fanfan
- College of Nursing, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
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28
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Henry CJ, Song MK. Use of the Strong Black Woman Construct in Research: An Integrative Review. ANS Adv Nurs Sci 2023; Publish Ahead of Print:00012272-990000000-00072. [PMID: 37192599 DOI: 10.1097/ans.0000000000000501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
This was an integrative review of the literature on research using the strong Black woman (SBW) construct. We searched for data-based articles that mentioned SBW and examined topical areas of investigation, health outcomes and other constructs associated with SBW, and methods used to assess SBW. We found 47 articles. SBW was used to study coping with trauma (n = 11) or perceived offense (n = 10), or engaging in health-seeking behaviors (n = 10). Eighteen studies suggested that SBW was linked to several major health conditions (eg, hypertension, obesity, heart disease) and depressive and anxiety symptoms. SBW was positively correlated with undesirable coping behaviors (eg, self-silencing, maladaptive perfectionism) and negatively associated with self-compassion and help-seeking. The most common method of assessing SBW was using a structured questionnaire (n = 21). Longitudinal studies to examine the impact of SBW belief on Black women's coping with hardship were lacking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carrie J Henry
- Capstone College of Nursing, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa (Dr Henry); and Center for Nursing Excellence in Palliative Care, Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia (Dr Song)
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29
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Obaoye JO, Dawson AZ, Thorgerson A, Ikonte CO, Williams JS, Egede LE. Understanding the relationship between perceived discrimination, allostatic load, and all-cause mortality in US older adults: A mediation analysis. J Am Geriatr Soc 2023; 71:1515-1525. [PMID: 36594516 PMCID: PMC10175160 DOI: 10.1111/jgs.18215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To understand the relationship between perceived discrimination, allostatic load, and all-cause mortality; and to determine whether allostatic load is a mediator in the relationship between perceived discrimination and all-cause mortality among an older adult US population. METHODS Data from the Health and Retirement Study (2006-2012) was analyzed. Cox proportional hazard models were used to investigate the relationship between all-cause mortality and perceived discrimination, and all-cause mortality and allostatic load. Linear regression models were used to investigate the relationship between perceived discrimination and allostatic load. A mediation model with perceived discrimination and allostatic loads as independent variables was used to determine the association with all-cause mortality. RESULTS There were 5062 adults over the age of 50 included in the analysis. The relationship between perceived discrimination and allostatic load was statistically significant (b:0.14, [95%CI 0.10,0.19]; p < 0.001). The relationship between perceived discrimination and all-cause mortality was statistically significant (HR: 1.12, [95%CI 1.03,1.22]; p = 0.01). The relationship between allostatic load and all-cause mortality was statistically significant (HR: 1.11, [95%CI 1.08,1.13]; p < 0.001). The mediation model resulted in a decrease in hazard ratio and loss of statistical significance for perceived discrimination (HR: 1.09, [95%CI 0.98,1.21]; p = 0.13) when allostatic load (HR: 1.17, [95%CI 1.10,1.24]; p < 0.001) was added to the Cox regression model, indicating full mediation. CONCLUSIONS Allostatic load fully mediates the relationship between perceived discrimination and all-cause mortality. Understanding the role of allostatic load in this relationship provides an additional implication for screening and indications for tighter control of the modifiable components of allostatic load by healthcare providers, especially among individuals who experience discrimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna O. Obaoye
- Department of Medicine, Medical School, Medical College of Wisconsin, CLCC – 5 Floor, 9200 W Wisconsin Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53226
| | - Aprill Z. Dawson
- Center for Advancing Population Science, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Road, Milwaukee, WI 53226
- Department of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Road, Milwaukee, WI 53226
| | - Abigail Thorgerson
- Center for Advancing Population Science, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Road, Milwaukee, WI 53226
| | - Chijioke O. Ikonte
- Department of Medicine, Medical School, Medical College of Wisconsin, CLCC – 5 Floor, 9200 W Wisconsin Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53226
| | - Joni S. Williams
- Center for Advancing Population Science, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Road, Milwaukee, WI 53226
- Department of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Road, Milwaukee, WI 53226
| | - Leonard E. Egede
- Center for Advancing Population Science, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Road, Milwaukee, WI 53226
- Department of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Road, Milwaukee, WI 53226
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30
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Barr AB, Simons RL, Beach SRH, Simons LG. RACIAL DISCRIMINATION AND THE WEATHERING OF NONMARITAL RELATIONSHIPS. JOURNAL OF MARRIAGE AND THE FAMILY 2023; 85:723-738. [PMID: 37252443 PMCID: PMC10211358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Objective The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of perceived racial discrimination on the satisfaction and dissolution of different-gender, nonmarital relationships among African American young adults. Background Racial discrimination has proven detrimental to relationship quality among married couples. Racial disparities in relationship processes begin long before marriages form, however. Racial discrimination may also weather and disrupt nonmarital relationships earlier in the life course. Method Survey data from African American young adult couples (N = 407) from the Family and Community Health Study were used to assess the associations between each partner's experience of racial discrimination, relationship satisfaction, and relationship dissolution using structural equation modeling. Results Results support a stress spillover perspective in that racial discrimination experienced by both men and women increased the likelihood of relationship dissolution through reduced satisfaction. No support was found for a stress buffering perspective. Conclusion Racial discrimination appears to distress and, ultimately, disrupt nonmarital relationships among African American young adult couples. Implications Given the role of relationship quality and stability in promoting health and well-being, understanding how discrimination impacts the unfolding of relationships, or linked lives, across the life course is essential to untangling and addressing the "chains of disadvantage" identified by Umberson et al. (2014) as central to racial disparities in health and well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley B Barr
- 455 Park Hall, Department of Sociology, University at Buffalo, SUNY, Buffalo, NY 14260
| | - Ronald L Simons
- Department of Sociology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602
| | - Steven R H Beach
- Department of Psychology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602
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Chambers BD, Fontenot J, McKenzie-Sampson S, Blebu BE, Edwards BN, Hutchings N, Karasek D, Coleman-Phox K, Curry VC, Kuppermann M. "It was just one moment that I felt like I was being judged": Pregnant and postpartum black Women's experiences of personal and group-based racism during the COVID-19 pandemic. Soc Sci Med 2023; 322:115813. [PMID: 36881972 PMCID: PMC9968447 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2023.115813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Racial inequities in maternal and child health outcomes persist: Black women and birthing people experience higher rates of adverse outcomes than their white counterparts. Similar inequities are seen in coronavirus disease (COVID-19) mortality rates. In response, we sought to explore the intersections of racism and the COVID-19 pandemic impact on the daily lives and perinatal care experiences of Black birthing people. METHODS We used an intrinsic case study approach grounded in an intersectional lens to collect stories from Black pregnant and postpartum people residing in Fresno County (July-September 2020). All interviews were conducted on Zoom without video and were audio recorded and transcribed. Thematic analysis was used to group codes into larger themes. RESULTS Of the 34 participants included in this analysis, 76.5% identified as Black only, and 23.5% identified as multiracial including Black. Their mean age was 27.2 years [SD, 5.8]. Nearly half (47%) reported being married or living with their partner; all were eligible for Medi-Cal insurance. Interview times ranged from 23 to 96 min. Five themes emerged: (1) Tensions about Heightened Exposure of Black Lives Matter Movement during the pandemic; (2) Fear for Black Son's Safety; (3) Lack of Communication from Health Care Professionals; (4) Disrespect from Health Care Professionals; and (5) Misunderstood or Judged by Health Care Professionals. Participants stressed that the Black Lives Matter Movement is necessary and highlighted that society views their Black sons as a threat. They also reported experiencing unfair treatment and harassment while seeking perinatal care. CONCLUSIONS Black women and birthing people shared that exposure to racism has heightened during the COVID-19 pandemic, increasing their levels of stress and anxiety. Understanding how racism impacts Black birthing people's lives and care experiences is critical to reforming the police force and revising enhanced prenatal care models to better address their needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittany D Chambers
- Department of Human Ecology, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA; California Preterm Birth Initiative, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | - Jazmin Fontenot
- California Preterm Birth Initiative, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Safyer McKenzie-Sampson
- California Preterm Birth Initiative, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Bridgette E Blebu
- California Preterm Birth Initiative, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Brittany N Edwards
- Central Valley Health Policy Institute, College of Health and Human Services, California State University, Fresno. Fresno, CA, USA
| | | | - Deborah Karasek
- California Preterm Birth Initiative, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Kimberly Coleman-Phox
- California Preterm Birth Initiative, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Venise C Curry
- Central Valley Health Policy Institute, College of Health and Human Services, California State University, Fresno. Fresno, CA, USA
| | - Miriam Kuppermann
- California Preterm Birth Initiative, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
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Silas MJ, Seward DX. Black women's help‐seeking and self‐care strategies: A phenomenological exploration. JOURNAL OF COUNSELING AND DEVELOPMENT 2023. [DOI: 10.1002/jcad.12465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Melany J. Silas
- Department of Health Services State University of New York at Monroe Community College Rochester New York USA
| | - Derek X. Seward
- Department of Counseling and Human Services Syracuse University Syracuse New York USA
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Khan SS, Brewer LC, Canobbio MM, Cipolla MJ, Grobman WA, Lewey J, Michos ED, Miller EC, Perak AM, Wei GS, Gooding H. Optimizing Prepregnancy Cardiovascular Health to Improve Outcomes in Pregnant and Postpartum Individuals and Offspring: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association. Circulation 2023; 147:e76-e91. [PMID: 36780391 PMCID: PMC10080475 DOI: 10.1161/cir.0000000000001124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Abstract
This scientific statement summarizes the available preclinical, epidemiological, and clinical trial evidence that supports the contributions of prepregnancy (and interpregnancy) cardiovascular health to risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes and cardiovascular disease in birthing individuals and offspring. Unfavorable cardiovascular health, as originally defined by the American Heart Association in 2010 and revised in 2022, is prevalent in reproductive-aged individuals. Significant disparities exist in ideal cardiovascular health by race and ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and geography. Because the biological processes leading to adverse pregnancy outcomes begin before conception, interventions focused only during pregnancy may have limited impact on both the pregnant individual and offspring. Therefore, focused attention on the prepregnancy period as a critical life period for optimization of cardiovascular health is needed. This scientific statement applies a life course and intergenerational framework to measure, modify, and monitor prepregnancy cardiovascular health. All clinicians who interact with pregnancy-capable individuals can emphasize optimization of cardiovascular health beginning early in childhood. Clinical trials are needed to investigate prepregnancy interventions to comprehensively target cardiovascular health. Beyond individual-level interventions, community-level interventions must include and engage key stakeholders (eg, community leaders, birthing individuals, families) and target a broad range of antecedent psychosocial and social determinants. In addition, policy-level changes are needed to dismantle structural racism and to improve equitable and high-quality health care delivery because many reproductive-aged individuals have inadequate, fragmented health care before and after pregnancy and between pregnancies (interpregnancy). Leveraging these opportunities to target cardiovascular health has the potential to improve health across the life course and for subsequent generations.
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Perez AD, Dufault SM, Spears EC, Chae DH, Woods-Giscombe CL, Allen AM. Superwoman Schema and John Henryism among African American women: An intersectional perspective on coping with racism. Soc Sci Med 2023; 316:115070. [PMID: 35690497 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2022.115070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE John Henryism and Superwoman Schema (SWS) are dispositional characteristics adopted to overcome the challenges of chronic psychosocial stress, and have particular salience for African American women. Both show protective and harmful effects on health and share conceptual similarities and distinctions, yet there is no empirical evidence of the potential overlap resulting in uncertainty about the unique roles they may each play concerning the health of African American women. OBJECTIVE We examined: 1) whether and to what extent John Henryism and SWS represent similar or distinct constructs relevant to the unique sociohistorical and sociopolitical position of African American women, and 2) whether the two differentially predict health outcomes. METHODS Data are from a purposive and socioeconomically diverse sample of 208 African American women in the San Francisco Bay Area. First, we conducted a progressive series of tests to systematically examine the conceptual and empirical overlap between John Henryism and SWS: correlation analysis, exploratory factor analysis (EFA), principal component analysis and k-modes cluster analysis. Next, we used multivariable regression to examine associations with psychological distress and hypertension. RESULTS John Henryism and SWS were moderately correlated with one another (rs = 0.30-0.48). In both EFA and cluster analyses, John Henryism items were distinct from SWS subscale items. For SWS, feeling an obligation to present an image of strength and an obligation to help others predicted higher odds of hypertension (p < 0.05); having an intense motivation to succeed predicted lower odds (p = 0.048). John Henryism did not predict hypertension. Feeling an obligation to help others and an obligation to suppress emotions predicted lower levels of psychological distress (p < 0.05) whereas John Henryism predicted higher distress (p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS We discuss the implications of these findings for the measurement of culturally specific phenomena and their role in contributing to the unequal burden of ill health among African American women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda D Perez
- Divisions of Community Health Sciences and Epidemiology, University of California Berkeley School of Public Health, 2121 Berkeley Way #5302, Berkeley, CA, 94720-7360, USA.
| | - Suzanne M Dufault
- Divisions of Community Health Sciences and Epidemiology, University of California Berkeley School of Public Health, 2121 Berkeley Way #5302, Berkeley, CA, 94720-7360, USA
| | - Erica C Spears
- Louisiana Public Health Institute, 400 Poydras St., Suite 1250, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA
| | - David H Chae
- Department of Social, Behavioral, and Population Sciences, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, 1440 Canal St, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA
| | - Cheryl L Woods-Giscombe
- School of Nursing, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Carrington Hall, CB #7460, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-7460, USA
| | - Amani M Allen
- Divisions of Community Health Sciences and Epidemiology, University of California Berkeley School of Public Health, 2121 Berkeley Way #5302, Berkeley, CA, 94720-7360, USA
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Becker M, Mayo JA, Phogat NK, Quaintance CC, Laborde A, King L, Gotlib IH, Gaudilliere B, Angst MS, Shaw GM, Stevenson DK, Aghaeepour N, Dhabhar FS. Deleterious and Protective Psychosocial and Stress-Related Factors Predict Risk of Spontaneous Preterm Birth. Am J Perinatol 2023; 40:74-88. [PMID: 34015838 PMCID: PMC11036409 DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1729162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of the study was to: (1) Identify (early in pregnancy) psychosocial and stress-related factors that predict risk of spontaneous preterm birth (PTB, gestational age <37 weeks); (2) Investigate whether "protective" factors (e.g., happiness/social support) decrease risk; (3) Use the Dhabhar Quick-Assessment Questionnaire for Stress and Psychosocial Factors (DQAQ-SPF) to rapidly quantify harmful or protective factors that predict increased or decreased risk respectively, of PTB. STUDY DESIGN This is a prospective cohort study. Relative risk (RR) analyses investigated association between individual factors and PTB. Machine learning-based interdependency analysis (IDPA) identified factor clusters, strength, and direction of association with PTB. A nonlinear model based on support vector machines was built for predicting PTB and identifying factors that most strongly predicted PTB. RESULTS Higher levels of deleterious factors were associated with increased RR for PTB: General anxiety (RR = 8.9; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.0,39.6), pain (RR = 5.7; CI = 1.7,17.0); tiredness/fatigue (RR = 3.7; CI = 1.09,13.5); perceived risk of birth complications (RR = 4; CI = 1.6,10.01); self-rated health current (RR = 2.6; CI = 1.0,6.7) and previous 3 years (RR = 2.9; CI = 1.1,7.7); and divorce (RR = 2.9; CI = 1.1,7.8). Lower levels of protective factors were also associated with increased RR for PTB: low happiness (RR = 9.1; CI = 1.25,71.5); low support from parents/siblings (RR = 3.5; CI = 0.9,12.9), and father-of-baby (RR = 3; CI = 1.1,9.9). These factors were also components of the clusters identified by the IDPA: perceived risk of birth complications (p < 0.05 after FDR correction), and general anxiety, happiness, tiredness/fatigue, self-rated health, social support, pain, and sleep (p < 0.05 without FDR correction). Supervised analysis of all factors, subject to cross-validation, produced a model highly predictive of PTB (AUROC or area under the receiver operating characteristic = 0.73). Model reduction through forward selection revealed that even a small set of factors (including those identified by RR and IDPA) predicted PTB. CONCLUSION These findings represent an important step toward identifying key factors, which can be assessed rapidly before/after conception, to predict risk of PTB, and perhaps other adverse pregnancy outcomes. Quantifying these factors, before, or early in pregnancy, could identify women at risk of delivering preterm, pinpoint mechanisms/targets for intervention, and facilitate the development of interventions to prevent PTB. KEY POINTS · Newly designed questionnaire used for rapid quantification of stress and psychosocial factors early during pregnancy.. · Deleterious factors predict increased preterm birth (PTB) risk.. · Protective factors predict decreased PTB risk..
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Becker
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Jonathan A. Mayo
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Nisha K. Phogat
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida
| | - Cecele C. Quaintance
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Ana Laborde
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Lucy King
- Department of Psychology, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Ian H. Gotlib
- Department of Psychology, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Brice Gaudilliere
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Martin S. Angst
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Gary M. Shaw
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - David K. Stevenson
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Nima Aghaeepour
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Firdaus S. Dhabhar
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Miller School of Medicine, Univ. of Miami, Miami, Florida
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Tyra AT, Ginty AT, Johnson LR, Lafromboise ME, Malatare M, Salois E, John-Henderson NA. Emotion Regulation Strategies Relate to Ambulatory Cardiovascular Activity in an American Indian Community. Psychosom Med 2023; 85:2-7. [PMID: 36516315 PMCID: PMC9764238 DOI: 10.1097/psy.0000000000001140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Poor emotion regulation is associated with risk for cardiovascular disease. However, much of this research is conducted in primarily White samples, thus limiting our understanding of this relationship in other racial/ethnic groups. American Indians (AIs) are uniquely and disproportionately at risk for cardiovascular disease. As such, the present study aimed to examine the relationships between emotion regulation strategies and ambulatory cardiovascular activity in an entirely AI sample. METHODS The sample consisted of 100 AI adults living on a tribal reservation. Emotion regulation strategies (expressive suppression, cognitive reappraisal) were assessed via the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire. Using ecological momentary assessment, daily measurements of psychological stress and ambulatory cardiovascular activity were taken during a 7-day monitoring period. Statistical analyses included bivariate correlations, hierarchical linear regression models, and mediation models. RESULTS Expressive suppression was associated with higher systolic and diastolic blood pressure, as well as higher pulse rate. In contrast, cognitive reappraisal was associated with lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure, lower pulse rate, and lower average daily psychological stress. These results remained statistically significant after adjusting for age, sex, body mass index, anxiety, depression, and early life trauma. In addition, psychological stress mediated the associations between blood pressure and cognitive reappraisal, but not expressive suppression. CONCLUSIONS These results provide preliminary evidence for divergent associations of two emotion regulation strategies with cardiovascular activity and psychological stress in an AI community. Modifying health interventions to include training in effective emotion regulation may be beneficial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra T. Tyra
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Baylor University, Waco, Texas
| | - Annie T. Ginty
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Baylor University, Waco, Texas
| | | | | | | | - Emily Salois
- Center for American Indian and Rural Health Equity, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana
| | - Neha A. John-Henderson
- Center for American Indian and Rural Health Equity, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana
- Department of Psychology, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana
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Moody AT, Lewis JA, Owens GP. Gendered Racism, Coping, and Traumatic Stress Among Black Women: The Moderating Roles of the Strong Black Woman Schema and Womanist Attitudes. PSYCHOLOGY OF WOMEN QUARTERLY 2022. [DOI: 10.1177/03616843221143752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the associations between gendered racism, coping strategies, the Strong Black Woman (SBW) schema, womanist attitudes, and traumatic stress symptoms among Black women. Specifically, this study utilized an intersectionality framework to test the link between gendered racism and traumatic stress as mediated by coping strategies (detachment, internalization, drug/alcohol use, education/advocacy, and resistance), and moderated by two aspects of Black women’s identity (SBW schema and womanist attitudes). Participants were 185 Black women from across the United States who completed an online survey. Results from a mediation analysis indicated that disengagement coping (detachment and drug/alcohol use) significantly mediated the gendered racism-traumatic stress link. In addition, the SBW schema moderated the gendered racism-detachment coping link, such that this association was stronger at high levels of SBW schema. Results from the moderated mediation analyses were not significant, though SBW schema was associated with greater disengagement coping (internalization and detachment) and womanist attitudes was associated with greater engagement coping (education/advocacy and resistance). These findings highlight the importance of understanding how Black women cope with gendered racism as well as internalized beliefs that may be beneficial or harmful.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anahvia T. Moody
- Department of Psychology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, USA
| | - Jioni A. Lewis
- Department of Counseling, Higher Education, and Special Education, University of Maryland, College Park, USA
| | - Gina P. Owens
- Department of Psychology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, USA
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Perkins TR, Aleibar D, Leath S, Pittman JC. Black Women’s Sexual Assertiveness and Satisfaction: The Role of the Superwoman Schema. JOURNAL OF BLACK PSYCHOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1177/00957984221147796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Although extant research highlights the detrimental effects of the Superwoman Schema (SWS) on Black women’s physical and psychological well-being, researchers have yet to examine the implications of SWS endorsement on Black women’s sexual attitudes and behaviors. As a culturally salient racialized gender schema that reifies Black women’s supposed superhuman emotional and physical strength, to what extent does endorsement of the SWS contribute to Black women’s reported sexual assertiveness and satisfaction? In the present work, 406 Black women completed an online survey measuring their endorsement of the SWS, as well as their sexual assertiveness and sexual satisfaction. SWS dimensions moderated the association between sexual assertiveness and sexual satisfaction. Findings from the present study highlight the importance of considering culturally salient racialized gender schemas when examining Black women’s sexual attitudes and behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Seanna Leath
- Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Jami C. Pittman
- University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Robinson MN. Pushing Past Limits: How Efficacious Is High-Effort Coping for Self-Rated Health among African American and Caribbean Black Women? INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:13460. [PMID: 36294051 PMCID: PMC9603469 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192013460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Due to systemic oppression, Black women experience distinct risks across the life course, such as exposure to various stressors that shape lower ratings of self-rated health. This is important given that self-rated health is a stronger indicator of current morbidity and subsequent mortality than physician assessments. However, there has been limited consideration of the role of coping in shaping self-rated health among this group. John Henryism, or high-effort coping, is a culturally relevant coping style that reflects the broader societal, cultural, and historical context that shapes lived experiences of Black populations navigating racism and capitalism in the U.S., and has received limited consideration in health research among Black women. Additionally, less is known regarding how ethnicity shapes John Henryism and health processes among Black women specifically. Therefore, the present study examined the association between John Henryism and self-rated health among African American and Caribbean Black women (n = 1580) collectively, and explored this association among Caribbean Black women specifically, utilizing the National Survey of American Life (NSAL 2001-2003). Findings show that while John Henryism was not directly associated with self-rated health among either group, once sociodemographic characteristics and stress exposure were accounted for, John Henryism was associated with lower odds of fair or poor self-rated health among both groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Millicent N Robinson
- School of Social Work, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
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40
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Garza RH, Williams MY, Ntiri SO, Hampton MD, Yan AF. Intersectionality Impacts Survivorship: Identity-Informed Recommendations to Improve the Quality of Life of African American Breast Cancer Survivors in Health Promotion Programming. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph191912807. [PMID: 36232105 PMCID: PMC9564905 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191912807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
(1) Background: African American women breast cancer survivors face unique experiences that impact their quality of life as they transition beyond treatments. Experiences may be complicated by living at the intersection of systemically oppressed identities, including gender, race, social class, and cancer-related disability. Using the Black Feminist Thought (BFT) framework and the PEN-3 cultural model, this qualitative study sought to: (a) understand African American women breast cancer survivors' lived experiences; (b) examine how the multiple intersecting factors of race, gender, social class/socioeconomic status, and cancer-related disability impact their quality of life; and (c) inform future health promotion programming that is culturally relevant to AAWBCS to improve their quality of life. (2) Methods: Seven focus groups were conducted with 30 African American breast cancer survivors in a Midwestern metropolitan region. Focus groups were audiotaped and transcribed verbatim. Framework analyses were conducted to identify themes with NVivo qualitative analysis software. (3) Results: Four themes emerged: (a) caregiving roles provide both support and challenges for survivors, (b) the "strong Black woman" is inherent in survivor experiences, (c) intersectionality impacts survivorship, and (d) African American women resist oppression through culturally specific supports and advocacy. (4) Conclusions: The intervention point of entry should be at the peer support group level and centered on family and provide community-based support and services. Future research should move upstream to address social determinants of health, including racism, sexism, and ableism; there is a critical need to discuss how structural racism affects health care and develop interventions to address racial discrimination and racial bias in health care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rose Hennessy Garza
- Joseph J Zilber School of Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI 53205, USA
| | - Michelle Y. Williams
- Division of Research, Patient Care Services, Stanford Healthcare, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
- Division of Primary Care and Population Health, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
| | - Shana O. Ntiri
- Department of Family & Community Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | | | - Alice F. Yan
- Division of Research, Patient Care Services, Stanford Healthcare, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
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Trudel-Fitzgerald C, Ouellet-Morin I. The cost of resilience: How allostatic load may jeopardize health through repeated demands for (successful) adaptation. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2022; 144:105874. [PMID: 35953388 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2022.105874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Trudel-Fitzgerald
- Department of Psychology, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Québec, Canada; Research Center, Institut Universitaire en Santé Mentale de Montréal, Québec, Canada; Lee Kum Sheung Center for Health and Happiness, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, MA, United States.
| | - Isabelle Ouellet-Morin
- Research Center, Institut Universitaire en Santé Mentale de Montréal, Québec, Canada; School of Criminology, Université de Montréal, Québec, Canada
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Brownlow BN. How Racism "Gets Under the Skin": An Examination of the Physical- and Mental-Health Costs of Culturally Compelled Coping. PERSPECTIVES ON PSYCHOLOGICAL SCIENCE 2022; 18:576-596. [PMID: 36179058 DOI: 10.1177/17456916221113762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Historically and contemporarily, Black Americans have been compelled to use effortful coping styles characterized by high behavioral and emotional restraint in the face of systematic racism. Lynch and colleagues have previously conceptualized a class of regulatory strategies-overcontrolled coping-characterized by emotional suppression, hypervigilance for threat, and high distress tolerance, which bear close analogy to coping styles frequently used among individuals facing chronic racial stress. However, given the inherent culture of racism in the United States, engaging in highly controlled coping strategies is often necessitated and adaptive, at least in the short term. Thus, for Black Americans this class of coping strategies is conceptualized as culturally compelled coping rather than overcontrolled coping. In the current article, I offer a critical examination of the literature and introduce a novel theoretical model-culturally compelled coping-that culturally translates selected components of Lynch's model. Cultural translation refers to considering how the meaning, function, and consequences of using overcontrolled coping strategies changes when considering how Black Americans exist and cope within a culture of systematic racism. Importantly, this model may offer broad implications for future research and treatment by contextualizing emotion regulation as a central mechanism, partially answering how racism "gets under the skin" and affects the health of Black Americans.
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Omowale SS, Gary-Webb TL, Wallace ML, Wallace JM, Rauktis ME, Eack SM, Mendez DD. Stress during pregnancy: An ecological momentary assessment of stressors among Black and White women with implications for maternal health. WOMEN'S HEALTH (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2022; 18:17455057221126808. [PMID: 36148967 PMCID: PMC9510975 DOI: 10.1177/17455057221126808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stress can lead to adverse physiological and psychological outcomes. Therefore, understanding stress during pregnancy provides insight into racial disparities in maternal health, particularly Black maternal health. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to describe (1) daily exposure to self-reported stress levels during pregnancy, and (2) sources of stress among participants that identified as Black or White using data collected via ecological momentary assessment. METHODS We leveraged survey data from the Postpartum Mothers Mobile Study, a prospective longitudinal study using ecological momentary assessment data collection methods to describe patterns of stress during pregnancy. This article is descriptive and documents patterns of self-reported stress levels and sources of stress. Frequencies and percentages of stress responses were computed to describe these patterns. RESULTS The sample (n = 296) was 27% Black (n = 78) and 63% White (n = 184). Results were based on at least one measurement of that stress level during pregnancy. A similar number of Black and White participants reported no stress during pregnancy. White (85%-95%) and Black (60%-70%) participants reported low to moderate levels of stress. Black participants (38%) and White participants (35%) reported experiencing high stress. Black and White participants reported similar sources of stress: stress from a partner, too many things to do, a baby or other children, and financial concerns. White participants reported work as a top stressor, and Black participants reported financial issues as a top source of stress. CONCLUSION This study provides insight into daily exposure to stress that has implications for maternal health. We described patterns of self-reported stress and sources of stress among Black and White participants. The daily exposures to stress reported by this sample exist within a context of root causes of structural inequities in education, health care, income, wealth, and housing that must be addressed to achieve maternal health equity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serwaa S Omowale
- California Preterm Birth Initiative,
University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA,Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology
& Reproductive Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California San
Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA,School of Social Work, University of
Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Tiffany L Gary-Webb
- Department of Epidemiology, School of
Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | | | - John M Wallace
- School of Social Work, University of
Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Mary E Rauktis
- School of Social Work, University of
Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Shaun M Eack
- School of Social Work, University of
Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Dara D Mendez
- Department of Epidemiology, School of
Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA,Department of Behavioral and Community
Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA,
USA,Division of General Internal Medicine,
School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA,Dara D Mendez, Department of Epidemiology,
School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, 5130 Public Health, 130 De
Soto Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA.
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Thomas Z, Banks J, Eaton AA, Ward LM. 25 years of psychology research on the “strong black woman”. SOCIAL AND PERSONALITY PSYCHOLOGY COMPASS 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/spc3.12705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Zharia Thomas
- Department of Psychology Florida International University Miami Florida USA
| | - Jasmine Banks
- Department of Psychology University of Michigan Ann Arbor Michigan USA
| | - Asia A. Eaton
- Department of Psychology Florida International University Miami Florida USA
| | - L. Monique Ward
- Department of Psychology University of Michigan Ann Arbor Michigan USA
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45
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Wiley CR, Blevins KM, Cohen S, Pressman SD. Do Positive Psychological Factors Equally Predict Resistance to Upper Respiratory Infections in African and European Americans? Psychol Sci 2022; 33:1509-1521. [PMID: 35981330 DOI: 10.1177/09567976221083322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Research has consistently shown that positive psychological constructs are linked to better physical health, but few studies have examined the role that race plays in this connection. We explored whether positive self-evaluations were equally protective against upper respiratory infection for 271 African American adults and 700 European American adults in a series of virus-exposure studies. Participants were assessed at baseline for psychological functioning and physical health, quarantined and exposed experimentally to a respiratory virus, and then monitored for infection and symptoms. Regression analyses revealed significant interactions between race and multiple positive psychological factors; several factors that were helpful to European Americans were unhelpful or even harmful to African Americans. Building on past work showing cross-cultural variation in the health correlates of affect, this study provides evidence that the health benefits of positive psychological constructs may not be universal and points to the need to explore factors that underpin these observed differential patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cameron R Wiley
- Department of Psychological Science, University of California, Irvine
| | - Kennedy M Blevins
- Department of Psychological Science, University of California, Irvine
| | - Sheldon Cohen
- Department of Psychology, Carnegie Mellon University
| | - Sarah D Pressman
- Department of Psychological Science, University of California, Irvine
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Rodriguez de Lisenko NC, Gray HL, Bohn J. Optimizing Outcomes: A Systematic Review of Psychosocial Risk Factors Affecting Perinatal Black/African-American Women with Substance Use Disorder in the United States. Matern Child Health J 2022; 26:2090-2108. [PMID: 35947278 DOI: 10.1007/s10995-022-03503-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Despite studies having examined and discussed the various multifaceted risk factors affecting perinatal women with substance use disorder (SUD), the limited amount of research on Black/African-American (B/AA) women allows health disparities in this population to widen. Segmenting the needs of the low-income B/AA female population with SUD is crucial when creating multi-layered and multi-faceted innovative upstream evidence-based interventions. This review assesses and examines studies that investigate psychosocial, environmental, and systemic level risk factors related to implicit bias, trauma, toxic stress, food issues, and SUD. METHODS The principal investigator (PI) utilized PubMed, Google Scholar, ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global to perform a systematic scoping review of the published literature. Research focused on risks factors affecting low-income perinatal B/AA women. The literature review examined articles published January 2010 through December 2020. Inclusion criteria incorporated risk factors, health disparities, and SUD. Studies selected for this review have been published in English and conducted in the USA. RESULTS Our research identified 509 articles, of which we chose to include 75. The literature highlights health disparities influenced by risks factors of implicit biases, trauma, and toxic stress, which construct physical and emotional barriers to healthy food and food resources in B/AA women with SUD. CONCLUSION The PI found limited or non-existent research on innovative interventions targeting perinatal B/AA women with SUD. This review recommends deconstructing hidden psychosocial, environmental, and systematic risk factors to assist in developing novel comprehensive strategies and wraparound support services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norma C Rodriguez de Lisenko
- Innovative Health Solutions, P.O. Box 183, Benicia, CA, 94510, USA.
- College of Public Health, University of South Florida, 13201 Bruce B Downs Blvd, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA.
| | - Heewon L Gray
- College of Public Health, University of South Florida, 13201 Bruce B Downs Blvd, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA
| | - Joseph Bohn
- College of Public Health, University of South Florida, 13201 Bruce B Downs Blvd, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA
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Thomas Tobin CS, Gutiérrez Á, Bell CN, Thorpe RJ. Early Life Racial Discrimination, Racial Centrality, and Allostatic Load Among African American Older Adults. THE GERONTOLOGIST 2022; 62:721-731. [PMID: 34922345 PMCID: PMC9154246 DOI: 10.1093/geront/gnab185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Prior research documents accelerated physiological aging among African Americans due to their greater lifetime exposure to social and economic adversity. Yet, less is known about the mechanisms through which early life stressors, such as early life racial discrimination (ELRD), and later life psychosocial resources, such as racial centrality (i.e., importance of Black identity to one's sense of self), interact to shape allostatic load (AL) in adulthood. We evaluate the life course processes linking ELRD, adult racial centrality, and adult AL among older African Americans. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Data from the Nashville Stress and Health Study included African Americans aged 50 and older (N = 260). Poisson regression models assessed the links between ELRD, adult centrality, and adult AL. Interactions determined whether ELRD conditions the centrality-AL association in adulthood. RESULTS Adolescent ELRD conferred significantly higher levels of adult centrality and 32% increased risk of high adult AL. Greater adult centrality was linked to high adult AL, but the ELRD-adult AL association was not explained by centrality. However, ELRD and centrality interact to shape adult AL, such that racial centrality was protective against high adult AL for those who experienced racial discrimination as children or adolescents. DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS Findings highlight the multiple pathways through which racism-related stressors and psychosocial resources interact to shape physiological dysregulation in later life and underscore the health significance of racial identity for older African Americans. Clinicians and public health professionals should assess early life stressors and foster psychosocial resilience to promote healthy aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney S Thomas Tobin
- Department of Community Health Sciences, UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Ángela Gutiérrez
- Department of Social Medicine, Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Athens, Ohio, USA
| | - Caryn N Bell
- Department of Social, Behavioral, and Population Sciences, Tulane University School of Public Health & Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Roland J Thorpe
- Hopkins Center for Health Disparities Solutions, John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Platt LF, Fanning SC. The Strong Black Woman Concept: Associated Demographic Characteristics and Perceived Stress Among Black Women. JOURNAL OF BLACK PSYCHOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1177/00957984221096211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Being a “Strong Black Woman” (SBW) is a frequent cultural demand for Black Women. The physical and emotional disadvantages of this persistent racial gender role expectation are notable. The purpose of the current exploratory study was to (1) confirm a link between endorsement of the SBW schema and self-reported perceived stress and (2) investigate the potential demographic features that predict the level of endorsement of the SBW schema. A community sample of n = 185 Black women completed an online survey containing the Giscombé Superwoman Schema Questionnaire ( Woods-Giscombé et al., 2019 ), the Perceived Stress Scale-10 ( Cohen & Williamson, 1988 ), and a demographic questionnaire. The results indicated that more endorsement of SBW ideals uniquely predicted greater perceived stress. Also, only the demographic variables of age and number of children were predictors of SBW endorsement. Endorsement of SBW expectations did not vary across the other demographic variables indicating the SBW schema was prominent for most participants in the sample.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa F. Platt
- Department of Counseling and Learning Sciences, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Sandy C. Fanning
- Department of Counseling and Learning Sciences, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
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Knighton JS, Dogan J, Crowell C, Stevens-Watkins D. Superwoman Schema: a context for understanding psychological distress among middle-class African American women who perceive racial microaggressions. ETHNICITY & HEALTH 2022; 27:946-962. [PMID: 32931323 PMCID: PMC7956919 DOI: 10.1080/13557858.2020.1818695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2020] [Accepted: 08/30/2020] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Objective: Current racial mental health disparities among African American women have been attributed to chronic experiences of race-related stressors. Increased exposure to racism in predominately White spaces may increase reliance on culturally normative coping mechanisms. The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between psychological distress, perceived racial microaggressions, and an obligation to show strength/suppress emotions among educated, middle-class African American women.Design: A sample of 243 African American women aged 19-72 years (M = 39.49 years) participated in an online study. Participants completed self-report measures of psychological distress (PHQ-8 and GAD-7), racial microaggressions (IMABI), and modified items from the Stereotypical Roles for Black Women (SRBWS) to assess an obligation to show strength/suppress emotions. Factor analyses were conducted to assess the reliability of the obligation to show strength/suppress emotions subscale in our sample. Descriptive statistics, multiple linear regression, and mediation analyses were also conducted to examine variable associations.Results: Statistical analyses revealed educated, middle-class African American women who endorse an obligation to show strength/suppress emotions with perceived racial microaggressions experienced increased psychological distress.Conclusion: Obligation to show strength/suppress emotion may increase risk for psychological distress among African American women who perceive racial microaggressions. Future research and clinical implications are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joi-Sheree’ Knighton
- Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), Center for Forensic Psychiatry
| | - Jardin Dogan
- Department of Educational, School, and Counseling Psychology, University of Kentucky, 36 Dickey Hall, Lexington, Kentucky 40506
| | - Candice Crowell
- Department of Educational, School, and Counseling Psychology, University of Kentucky, 36 Dickey Hall, Lexington, Kentucky 40506
| | - Danelle Stevens-Watkins
- Department of Educational, School, and Counseling Psychology, University of Kentucky, 36 Dickey Hall, Lexington, Kentucky 40506
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Leath S, Jones MK, Butler-Barnes S. An examination of ACEs, the internalization of the Superwoman Schema, and mental health outcomes among Black adult women. J Trauma Dissociation 2022; 23:307-323. [PMID: 34622746 DOI: 10.1080/15299732.2021.1989113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Despite the growing literature on the mental health implications of adverse childhood events (ACEs), little empirical evidence considers the role of sociocultural scripts in Black women's experiences of trauma and mental health. Emerging scholarship suggests that gendered racial stereotypes, such as the Superwoman Schema, might worsen the impact of ACEs on the mental health outcomes of Black women in the U.S. To address this gap, we sought to examine relationships among Black women's exposure to ACEs, endorsement of the Superwoman Schema, and mental health outcomes. The current sample included 447 Black women (20-35 years old) who completed measures of adverse childhood events, Superwoman Schema endorsement, and mental health (stress, anxiety, and depression). ACEs and endorsement of the Superwoman Schema were associated with higher stress, anxiety, and depressive symptomology. Additionally, Black women who experienced more ACEs and felt a stronger obligation to present an image of strength indicated more stress. Black women who experienced more ACEs and had a stronger determination to succeed reported higher anxiety. These results offer further evidence of the role of the Superwoman Schema on Black women's mental health. The authors discuss future research directions and clinical implications regarding the interconnections among sociocultural scripts of Black womanhood and trauma experiences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seanna Leath
- Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Martinque K Jones
- Department of Psychology, University of North Texas, Denton, Texas, USA
| | - Sheretta Butler-Barnes
- Brown School of Social Work, Washington University in St. Louis, St Louis, Missouri, USA
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