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Ashe JJ, Evans MK, Zonderman AB, Waldstein SR. Absent Relations of Religious Coping to Telomere Length in African American and White Women and Men. Exp Aging Res 2024; 50:459-481. [PMID: 37258109 PMCID: PMC10687320 DOI: 10.1080/0361073x.2023.2219187] [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: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study investigated whether race and sex moderated the relations of religious coping to telomere length (TL), a biomarker of cellular aging implicated in race-related health disparities. METHODS Participant data were drawn from the Healthy Aging in Neighborhoods of Diversity across the Life Span (HANDLS) study, which included 252 socioeconomically diverse African American and White men and women aged (30-64 years old). Cross-sectional multivariable regression analyses examined interactive associations of religious coping, race, and sex to TL, adjusting for other sociodemographic characteristics. RESULTS Religious coping was unrelated to TL in this sample (p's > .05). There were no notable race or sex differences. Post hoc exploratory analyses similarly found that neither secular social support coping use nor substance use coping was associated with TL. CONCLUSION There was no evidence to support that religious coping use provided protective effects to TL in this sample of African American and White women and men. Nevertheless, future studies should use more comprehensive assessments of religious coping and intersectional identities to provide an in-depth examination of religiosity/spirituality as a potential culturally salient protective factor in cellular aging among African Americans in the context of specific chronic stressors such as discrimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason J. Ashe
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, Baltimore County, Baltimore, MD, US
| | - Michele K. Evans
- Laboratory of Epidemiology and Population Sciences, National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, MD, US
| | - Alan B. Zonderman
- Laboratory of Epidemiology and Population Sciences, National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, MD, US
| | - Shari R. Waldstein
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, Baltimore County, Baltimore, MD, US
- Division of Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, US
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2
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Curtis MG, Wieling E, Bryant C, Campbell RD, Kogan SM. Systemic effects of the COVID pandemic on rural black American men's interpersonal relationships: A phenomenological examination. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0297876. [PMID: 38630764 PMCID: PMC11023195 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0297876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic was a socionatural disaster that unprecedentedly disrupted the daily lives of individuals, families, and communities. Prior research indicates that Black American men living in rural contexts, particularly in Southern parts of the United States of America, were disproportionately affected by the psychological and economic effects of the pandemic. Despite these disparities, few studies have examined the pandemic's impact on rural Black American men's social networks. This study aimed to explore the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on rural Black American men's interpersonal relationships. Informed by the principles of critical ethnography and guided by van Manen's hermeneutic phenomenology, seventeen men were interviewed using a semi-structured interview protocol. Interviews were transcribed and then analyzed using an iterative thematic reduction process consistent with van Manen's approach. Four themes were generated: Familial Reorganization, Adaptive Fatherhood, Rona Romance, and Essential Community. Participants recounted how the pandemic motivated them to improve their relationships with family members and children but contributed additional stress to their romantic relationships. Participants further recounted how their friendships were the least impacted as they were willing to make exceptions to their normal protective protocols to socialize with close friends. Participants also noted feeling disconnected from their wider community because they could not attend church even though their religious beliefs remained unchanged. Findings highlight the need for scholars, clinicians, and policymakers to consider men's relational health when developing and implementing pandemic recovery efforts, as it can significantly influence their ability to recuperate mentally and physically. Future research should be dedicated to (1) investigating the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on fathers, as prior research has nearly exclusively focused on mothers' experiences and (2) delineating protective effects of rural Black American men's involvement in the Black Church from their individual spiritualities to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the influence of contextual crisis on their long-term health and wellbeing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael G Curtis
- Department of Global Health Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Elizabeth Wieling
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Chalandra Bryant
- Department of Family Social Science, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States of America
| | | | - Steven M Kogan
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, United States of America
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3
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Yunus RM, Duivenbode R, Padela AI. American Muslim Engagement With Advance Care Planning: Insights From a Community Survey. Am J Hosp Palliat Care 2024; 41:405-413. [PMID: 37641456 DOI: 10.1177/10499091231198216] [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: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Advance Care Planning (ACP) is a critical tool in advancing patient self-determination in health care delivery. Despite increasing research into racial/ethnic minorities' engagement with ACP in the US, studies on Muslim Americans are relatively scarce. We aimed to examine levels of ACP engagement among Muslim adults and measure associations between socio-demographic and religiosity characteristics and ACP engagement. Methodology: This was a survey study among Muslims attending mosque seminars in Chicago and Washington DC. Religiosity characteristics were assessed using a modified version of the Duke University Religion Index (DUREL) and the Psychological Measure of Islamic Religiousness (PMIR). ACP engagement was measured by the 4-item ACP Engagement Survey (4-ACPES) and 2 additional items covering ACP religious dimensions. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 28.0. Results: Out of 152 respondents, 56.2% to 72.6% were in the pre-contemplation stage of ACP across the 6 ACP items. Bivariate analyses showed that ACP engagement was correlated with participant age, ethnicity, duration of stay in the US and country of birth. Multivariable analyses demonstrated no association between religiosity characteristics and ACP engagement; independent predictors of ACP engagement were race/ethnicity (being South Asian), country of birth (born outside the US) and duration of stay in the US (longer years). Discussion/Conclusion: Our study suggests that American Muslims are largely unprepared to engage with ACP. Moreover, religiosity does not predict ACP engagement. We call for greater community outreach and educational programs that instill awareness and knowledge on the importance of ACP, and provide resources for tailored religiously-oriented conversations that assist individuals with ACP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raudah M Yunus
- Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
- Department of Public Health Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia
| | - Rosie Duivenbode
- Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
- Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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4
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Lee HH, Okuzono SS, Trudel-Fitzgerald C, James P, Koga HK, Sims M, Grodstein F, Kubzansky LD. Social integration and risk of mortality among African-Americans: the Jackson heart study. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 2023; 58:1317-1327. [PMID: 37193908 PMCID: PMC10423160 DOI: 10.1007/s00127-023-02485-1] [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: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Evidence suggests that greater social integration is related to lower mortality rates. However, studies among African-Americans are limited. We examined whether higher social integration was associated with lower mortality in 5306 African-Americans from the Jackson Heart Study, who completed the Berkman-Syme Social Network Index in 2000-2004 and were followed until 2018. METHODS We estimated hazard ratios (HR) of mortality by categories of the Social Network Index (i.e., high social isolation, moderate social isolation [reference group], moderate social integration, high social integration) using Cox proportional hazard models. Covariates included baseline sociodemographics, depressive symptoms, health conditions, and health behaviors. RESULTS Compared with moderate isolation, moderate integration was associated with an 11% lower mortality rate (HR = 0.89, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.77, 1.03), and high integration was associated with a 25% lower mortality rate (HR = 0.75, 95% CI 0.64, 0.87), controlling for sociodemographics and depressive symptoms; compared with moderate isolation, high isolation was related to a 34% higher mortality rate (HR = 1.34, 95% CI 1.00, 1.79). Further adjustment of potential mediators (health conditions and health behaviors) only slightly attenuated HRs (e.g., HRmoderate integration = 0.90, 95% CI 0.78, 1.05; HRhigh integration = 0.77, 95% CI 0.66, 0.89). CONCLUSION Social integration may be a psychosocial health asset with future work needed to identify biobehavioral processes underlying observed associations with mortality among African-Americans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harold H Lee
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.
- Lee Kum Sheung Center for Health and Happiness, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
- Department of Biobehavioral Health, College of Health and Human Development, The Pennsylvania State University, 124 Biobehavioral Health Building, University Park, PA, 16802, USA.
| | - Sakurako S Okuzono
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Claudia Trudel-Fitzgerald
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Lee Kum Sheung Center for Health and Happiness, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Psychology at Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, QC, Canada
- Research Center of Institut Universitaire en Santé Mentale de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Peter James
- Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Hayami K Koga
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Mario Sims
- Department of Social Medicine, Population and Public Health, School of Medicine, University of California at Riverside, Riverside, CA, USA
| | | | - Laura D Kubzansky
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Lee Kum Sheung Center for Health and Happiness, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
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5
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Wippold GM, Frary SG, Garcia KA, Wilson DK. Implementing barbershop-based health-promotion interventions for Black men: A systematic scoping review. Health Psychol 2023; 42:435-447. [PMID: 37227823 PMCID: PMC10330434 DOI: 10.1037/hea0001294] [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] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Health-promotion efforts among Black men in the United States have been limited in their ability to recruit, retain, and produce meaningful health-related changes. These difficulties have led to Black men being referred to as a "hard-to-reach" population-a designation that places undue blame on these men as opposed to the dissemination and implementation strategies being used by health-promotion specialists. Gender- and race-based strategies that align with the lived experiences of these men are likely to circumvent these challenges. Barbershops are cultural institutions that are uniquely positioned to promote health among Black men. There is little guidance on how to develop, implement, and evaluate barbershop-based efforts. This scoping review seeks to provide this guidance by applying the RE-AIM framework to analyze existing interventions. METHOD Information was identified by searching the following bibliographic databases: PubMed, EMBASE PsycINFO, CINAHL, and Web of Science. A grey literature search was conducted using Web of Science and ClinicalTrials.gov. Results were uploaded to Rayyan. Each article was independently and blindly assessed by two reviewers. A third reviewer blindly resolved any discrepancies. Data were then independently extracted by the two reviewers. Discrepancies were flagged and resolved collaboratively. RESULTS Results indicate that barbershop-based health-promotion efforts that prioritize community engagement and intentional alignment to the gender- and race-based lived experiences of Black men are likely to result in satisfactory recruitment, retention, and health-related changes among these men. CONCLUSIONS More intervention efforts are needed that target young Black adults, rural Black men, mental health outcomes, and which implement peer-to-peer models. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).
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6
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Clark EM, Ma L, Williams BR, Ghosh D, Park CL, Schulz E, Woodard N, Knott CL. A longitudinal study of social, religious, and spiritual capital and physical and emotional functioning in a national sample of African-Americans. JOURNAL OF COMMUNITY PSYCHOLOGY 2023; 51:978-997. [PMID: 36115065 PMCID: PMC10006284 DOI: 10.1002/jcop.22936] [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: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The present study builds on prior research by examining the moderating relationships between different types of capital on physical functioning, emotional functioning, and depressive symptoms using a 2.5-year longitudinal design with a national sample of African-American adults. Results indicated a significant T1 social capital × T1 religious capital interaction such that among low T1 religious capital participants, those with high T1 social capital had lower T2 physical functioning than those with lower T1 social capital. There was also a marginally significant T1 social capital × T1 spiritual capital interaction suggesting that among low T1 spiritual capital participants, those with higher T1 social capital reported a decline in depressive symptoms compared to those with lower T1 social capital. Future research and implications for intervention and policy development are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eddie M Clark
- Department of Psychology, Department of Psychology, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Lijing Ma
- Department of Psychology, University of San Fransciso, USA
| | - Beverly R Williams
- Department of Medicine, University of Alabama - Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Debarchana Ghosh
- Department of Geography, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
| | - Crystal L Park
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
| | - Emily Schulz
- Department of Occupational Therapy, University of Northern Arizona, Flagstaff, Arizona, USA
| | - Nathaniel Woodard
- Department of Behavioral and Community Health, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA
| | - Cheryl L Knott
- Department of Behavioral and Community Health, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA
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7
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Thorpe S, Stevens-Watkins D, Thrasher S, Malone N, Dogan JN. Religion, Psychiatric Symptoms, and Gender Role Conflict Among Incarcerated Black Men. PSYCHOLOGY OF MEN & MASCULINITY 2023; 24:76-82. [PMID: 37589030 PMCID: PMC10427125 DOI: 10.1037/men0000409] [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] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
Extant literature is mixed on the role of religiosity as a protective factor for mental health concerns and the effectiveness of faith-based prison programs on a reduction in recidivism. Religiosity and psychiatric symptoms are associated with gender role conflict, yet little is known about these relationships among Black incarcerated men. Undergirded by gender role conflict theory, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between religiosity, 30-day psychiatric symptoms, and three measures of gender role conflict: emotional restrictiveness, work-family conflict, and affectionate behavior towards men. In a sample of 206 Black men nearing community re-entry, our results indicated strong religious beliefs and psychiatric symptoms were associated with less emotional restrictiveness. Religious influence and psychiatric symptoms were positively associated with perceived work-family conflict. Further, strong religious beliefs moderated the association between psychiatric symptoms and work-family conflict. Implications for faith-based prison support programs as mechanisms for reducing recidivism among Black men are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shemeka Thorpe
- Department of Educational, School and Counseling Psychology University of Kentucky Lexington, KY
| | - Danelle Stevens-Watkins
- Department of Educational, School and Counseling Psychology University of Kentucky Lexington, KY
| | | | - Natalie Malone
- Department of Educational, School and Counseling Psychology University of Kentucky Lexington, KY
| | - Jardin N. Dogan
- Department of Educational, School and Counseling Psychology University of Kentucky Lexington, KY
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8
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Cao Y, Li H. Harmony Between Humanity and Nature: Natural Vs. Synthetic Drug Preference in Chinese Atheists and Taoists. JOURNAL OF RELIGION AND HEALTH 2022; 61:2743-2752. [PMID: 34146204 PMCID: PMC8214046 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-021-01314-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
A commonplace observation across many cultures is that humans show a strong preference for natural items on drug choice in the medical domain. Despite an emerging line of psychological research on individual differences in the naturalness-is-better bias, few studies have focused on the role of religious beliefs. According to the core idea of Taoism, people should free themselves from selfishness and desire and behave in concert with the alternating cycles of Nature. Based on the findings regarding the positive relationship between connectedness to nature and naturalness preference, we predict that Taoists, who emphasize harmony between humanity and nature, should show a stronger naturalness-is-better bias than atheists on drug choice due to their higher level of natural connectedness. The results showed that both Chinese atheists and Taoists selected a natural over synthetic drug even though the safety and efficacy of the medicines were described as identical. More importantly, the naturalness-is-better bias is more pronounced in Taoists than atheists. These data suggest that religious beliefs related to individuals' connectedness to nature may moderate the naturalness-is-better bias in health decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Cao
- School of Foreign Languages, Zhongnan University of Economics and Law, Wuhan, China
| | - Heng Li
- College of International Studies, Southwest University, Tianshengqiao Road, Beibei, Chongqing, China.
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9
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Participant Perspectives on the Effects of an African American Faith-Based Health Promotion Educational Intervention: a Qualitative Study. J Racial Ethn Health Disparities 2022; 10:1115-1126. [PMID: 35394621 PMCID: PMC8992409 DOI: 10.1007/s40615-022-01299-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Background In the USA, African Americans (AAs) experience a greater burden of mortality and morbidity from chronic health conditions including obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Faith-based programs are a culturally sensitive approach that potentially can address the burden of chronic health conditions in the AA community. Objective The primary objective was to assess (i) the perceptions of participants of Live Well by Faith (LWBF)—a government supported faith-based program to promote healthy living across several AA churches—on the effectiveness of the program in promoting overall wellness among AAs. A secondary objective was to explore the role of the church as an intervention unit for health promotion among AAs. Methods Guided by the socio-ecological model, data were collected through 21 in-depth interviews (71% women) with six AA church leaders, 10 LWBF lifestyle coaches, and five LWBF program participants. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed by three of the researchers. Findings Several themes emerged suggesting there was an effect of the program at multiple levels: the intrapersonal, interpersonal, organizational, and community levels. Most participants reported increased awareness about chronic health conditions, better social supports to facilitate behavior change, and creation of health networks within the community. Conclusion Our study suggests that one approach to address multilevel factors in a culturally sensitive manner could include developing government-community partnership to co-create interventions.
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10
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SCHULZ E, BAY RC, CLARK EM. Predictors of African American Belief in Illness as Punishment for Sin. SPIRITUAL PSYCHOLOGY AND COUNSELING 2021. [DOI: 10.37898/spc.2021.6.3.140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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11
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Gillum RF. Frequency of Attendance at Religious Services and Exposure to Environmental Tobacco Smoke. JOURNAL OF RELIGION AND HEALTH 2021; 60:1760-1765. [PMID: 33389437 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-020-01130-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) is associated with increased risk of disease and death. Reports on ETS and religion are lacking. Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were used to test this association. In 4,712 nonsmokers, serum cotinine level of 0.05-3.99 ng/mL indicated ETS exposure. Frequency of attendance at religious services was categorized as > = weekly or less. In bivariate analysis, ETS exposure occurred in 28.6% of those with > = weekly attendance but 36.4% of less frequent attenders (p = 0.0004). In logistic regression controlling for multiple confounders OR = 0.72, 95%CI 0.61-0.85. ETS exposure was negatively associated with religion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Frank Gillum
- Department of Medicine, Howard University College of Medicine, 1112 Nora Drive, Silver Spring, MD, 20904, USA.
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12
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Avent Harris JR, Wahesh E, Barrow M, Fripp JA. Demographics, Stigma, and Religious Coping and Christian African Americans' Help Seeking. COUNSELING AND VALUES 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/cvj.12145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Edward Wahesh
- Department of Education and Counseling Villanova University
| | - Marah Barrow
- Department of Sociology East Carolina University
| | - Jessica A. Fripp
- Department of Psychological Science and Counseling Austin Peay University
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Religious Affiliation in Relation to Positive Mental Health and Mental Disorders in a Multi-Ethnic Asian Population. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18073368. [PMID: 33805121 PMCID: PMC8038033 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18073368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Background: This study investigated association of religious affiliation with positive mental health (PMH) and mental disorders. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 2270 adults was conducted in Singapore. Participants reported their religious affiliation to Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Sikhism, Taoism, or other religions. A PMH instrument measured total PMH and six subcomponents: general coping (GC), emotional support (ES), spirituality (S), interpersonal skills (IS), personal growth and autonomy (PGA), and global affect (GA). Lifetime history of mental disorders was assessed with the Composite International Diagnostic Interview. Results: Total PMH (mean ± SD) was 4.56 ± 0.66 for participants with any religion versus 4.12 ± 0.63 (p = 0.002) in those without any religion. After adjustment for all potential confounders, the mean difference in total PMH between these groups was 0.348 (95% CI: 0.248–0.448). Having any religion was significantly associated with higher scores for S, GC, ES, IS, but not with PGA, GA or mental disorders. Compared with individuals without any religion, total PMH and S levels were significantly higher across all religions. Additionally, Christianity was significantly associated with higher ES, Taoism with higher GC, Buddhism and Islam with higher GC, ES and IS, Hinduism with higher IS and Sikhism with higher ES and IS. Conclusion: Our results indicate that religious affiliation is significantly associated with higher PMH, but not with mental disorders in an Asian community setting. In addition, different religions showed unique patterns of association with PMH subcomponents.
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Aliyu S, Travers JL, Norful AA, Clarke M, Schroeder K. The Lived Experience of Being Diagnosed With COVID-19 Among Black Patients: A Qualitative Study. J Patient Exp 2021; 8:2374373521996963. [PMID: 34179380 PMCID: PMC8205343 DOI: 10.1177/2374373521996963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Diagnosis and hospitalization for COVID-19 are disproportionately higher among black persons. The purpose of this study was to explore the lived experience of being diagnosed with COVID-19 among black patients. Semistructured one-on-one interviews with black patients diagnosed with COVID-19 were conducted. Data were analyzed using conventional content analysis and a directed content approach. Fifteen patients participated and 3 themes were identified: Panic amidst a COVID-19 diagnosis, Feeling the repercussion of the diagnosis, and Personal assessment of risks within one's individual environment. Fear of dying, inadequate health benefits, financial issues, and worries about spreading the virus to loved ones were acknowledged by the patients as critical areas of concerns. Majority of the patients looked to God as the ultimate way of surviving COVID-19. However, none of the patients reported receiving support for spiritual needs from health care providers. This is the first study to investigate the lived experience of being diagnosed with COVID-19 among black patients. Our results highlight several factors that put this group at increased risk for COVID-19 and where additional strategies are needed to address these inadequacies. Integrating public health interventions to reduce socioeconomic barriers and integrating spirituality into clinical care could improve patient care delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sainfer Aliyu
- MedStar Washington Hospital Center, Washington, DC, the United States
| | - Jasmine L Travers
- National Clinician Scholars Program, Yale University School of
Medicine, New Haven, CT, the United States
| | - Allison A Norful
- Columbia University School of
Nursing, New York, NY, the United States
| | - Michael Clarke
- MedStar Washington Hospital Center, Washington, DC, the United States
| | - Krista Schroeder
- Temple University College of Public
Health, Philadelphia, PA, the United States
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15
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Sanaati F, Geranmayeh M, Behboodi Moghadam Z, Zareiyan A, Samadaee Gelehkolaee K, Mirghafourvand M. A population-based study of health-promoting behaviors and their predictors in Iranian males, 2019. Arch Public Health 2021; 79:23. [PMID: 33632343 PMCID: PMC7905917 DOI: 10.1186/s13690-021-00543-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 02/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Health-promoting lifestyle (HPL) is any measure taken to maintain a person's health. The most important and influential factor in maintaining and enhancing health are health-promoting behaviors (HPB). This study aimed to determine HPB and their predictors among Iranian men. METHODS In this cross-sectional study, 783 Iranian men, living in Tehran, were selected, using multistage cluster sampling. The employed questionnaires, namely the sociodemographic questionnaire, Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile II (HPLP-II), and the second part of the Personal Resource Questionnaire (PRQ 85-Part 2), were completed through interviews. The relationship between the dependent variables (HPLP-II and its subdomains) and independent variables (sociodemographic characteristics and social support) was investigated using the adjusted General Linear Model (GLM). RESULTS The mean ± standard deviation of the total HPLP-II score was 2.72 ± 0.44 in the range of 1-4. Among the six dimensions of the HPB, the participants achieved the highest score (3.00 ± 0.52) and lowest score (1.96 ± 0.56) in spiritual growth and physical activity, respectively. The Pearson test showed that the perceived social support was significantly correlated with HPLP-II (r = 0.23; p < 0.001) and all of its subdomains (r = 0.09-0.24; p < 0.001). Based on the adjusted general linear model, social support, age, job, and income adequacy were the predictors of HPL in men and could explain 30.9% of the variance of the HPL score. CONCLUSIONS The research findings confirmed the importance of social support and modifying variables (social and personal) in the incidence of HPB in men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fovziye Sanaati
- Department of Midwifery, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehrnaz Geranmayeh
- Department of Midwifery, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Armin Zareiyan
- Public Health Department, Nursing Faculty, AjA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Mojgan Mirghafourvand
- Midwifery Department, Social determinants of Health Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box: 51745-347, Shariati Street, Tabriz, 513897977, Iran.
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16
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Mahamid FA, Bdier D. The Association Between Positive Religious Coping, Perceived Stress, and Depressive Symptoms During the Spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19) Among a Sample of Adults in Palestine: Across Sectional Study. JOURNAL OF RELIGION AND HEALTH 2021; 60:34-49. [PMID: 33389439 PMCID: PMC7778573 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-020-01121-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The current study was designed to investigate the relationship between positive religious coping, perceived stress, and depressive symptoms among Palestinian adults in response to the emergence of coronavirus (COVID-19), and the quarantine system implemented in the city of Tulkarem, Palestine. METHODS A correlational study was conducted to examine the relationship between study variables. Participants were 400 Palestinian adults, involving 172 males and 228 females, living in the city of Tulkarem, Palestine, during the spread of coronavirus. Participants were selected using convenience and snowball sampling techniques. RESULTS Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to test the relationship between positive religious coping, depressive symptoms, and perceived stress. Findings revealed a statistically significant negative correlation between positive religious coping and depressive symptoms (r = - .17, p < .01). Results also indicated a statistically significant negative correlation between positive religious coping and perceived stress (r = - .15, p < .01). The regression analysis for predicting depressive symptoms found that both positive religious coping (B = - .21, SE = .05, β = - .18) and perceived stress (B = .41, SE = .05, β = .35) were statistically significant toward explaining variance in depressive symptoms. CONCLUSION The importance of developing intervention programs that take into consideration religious/spiritual struggles and positive religious strategies may help improve resilience and well-being among affected populations. With the recent spread of COVID-19, findings of this current study have presented important practical implications for improving the mental health and well-being among Palestinians, especially since Palestinian society continues to face different types of stressors, such as illegal occupation. Further studies are recommended to test the relationship between current study variables and other related variables.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fayez Azez Mahamid
- Psychology and Counseling Department, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine.
| | - Dana Bdier
- Psychology and Counseling Department, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
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17
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Nair D, Cavanaugh KL, Wallston KA, Mason O, Stewart TG, Blot WJ, Ikizler TA, Lipworth LP. Religion, Spirituality, and Risk of End-Stage Kidney Disease Among Adults of Low Socioeconomic Status in the Southeastern United States. J Health Care Poor Underserved 2021; 31:1727-1746. [PMID: 33416749 DOI: 10.1353/hpu.2020.0129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Religiosity, encompassing spirituality and religious practices, is associated with reduced disease incidence among individuals of low socioeconomic status and who self-identify as Black. We hypothesized that religiosity associates with reduced end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) risk among Black but not White adults of low socioeconomic status. DESIGN Cox models of religiosity and ESKD risk in 76,443 adults. RESULTS Black adults reporting high spirituality had reduced ESKD risk after adjusting for demographic characteristics [Hazard Ratio (HR) .82 (95% Confidence Interval (CI)) (.69-.98)], depressive symptoms, social support, and tobacco use [HR .81 (CI .68-.96)]. When clinical covariates were added, associations between spirituality and ESKD were slightly attenuated and lost significance [HR .85 (CI .68-1.06)]. Associations were not demonstrated among White adults. CONCLUSIONS Spirituality associates with reduced ESKD risk among Black adults of low socioeconomic status independent of demographic, psychosocial, and behavioral characteristics. Effect modification by race was not statistically significant.
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18
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Smith BP, Cardoso-Mendoza E, Flaws JA, Madak-Erdogan Z, Smith RL. Racial differences in lifestyle, demographic, and health factors associated with quality of life (QoL) in midlife women. Womens Midlife Health 2021; 7:2. [PMID: 33407936 PMCID: PMC7788772 DOI: 10.1186/s40695-020-00060-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Previously, quality of life (Qol) has been defined as an individual's evaluation of a satisfactory life as a whole (i.e. physically, mentally, psychologically, and socially). Only a few studies have examined the racial differences between QoL and risk factors associated with health, demographics, and lifestyle in midlife women. Thus, the purpose of our study was to determine racial differences in QoL in menopausal women due to lifestyle, demographic, and health related risk factors. A stratified ordinal logistic regression model was applied to self-reported questionnaire data from the Midlife Women's Health Study (MWHS) to determine risk factors associated with QoL differences between White and Black women during the menopausal transition. In multivariable models, our results showed Black women who had 3 or 4 comorbidities were about 4 times as likely to have higher QoL compared to women who had 0 to 2 comorbidities (95% CI: 1.65,10.78). However, the number of comorbidities was not significantly associated with QoL in White women in univariate or multiple regression. Further, body mass index and income were not significant factors in QoL in Black women but were in White women. Overall, our results illustrate that differences in health, demographic, and lifestyle factors are associated with QoL during menopause. Also, we suggest that future studies evaluate stratified models between racial groups to determine race-specific risk factors related to quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandi Patrice Smith
- Illinois Informatics, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, USA
| | | | - Jodi A Flaws
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA.,Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Zeynep Madak-Erdogan
- Illinois Informatics, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, USA.,Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA.,Food Science and Human Nutrition Department, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA.,Carle Illinois College of Medicine, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA.,Cancer Center at Illinois, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA.,Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA.,National Center for Supercomputing Applications, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Rebecca L Smith
- Illinois Informatics, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, USA. .,Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA. .,National Center for Supercomputing Applications, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA. .,Department of Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, 2001 S. Lincoln Ave, Urbana, IL, USA.
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19
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Denominational and Gender Differences in Hypertension Among African American Christian Young Adults. J Racial Ethn Health Disparities 2020; 8:1332-1343. [PMID: 33067763 DOI: 10.1007/s40615-020-00895-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Revised: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Hypertension, a major cardiovascular disease risk factor, is disproportionately prevalent among African American young adults. Religion and spirituality (R/S) have been studied for their potential effect on blood pressure (BP) outcomes. Despite their disproportionate hypertension risk and high levels of R/S engagement, limited research explores BP differences among religious African Americans. This study investigates whether denominational affiliation predicts within-group differences in odds of having hypertension among African American Christian young adults. Data from Wave IV of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (Add Health) were used to examine hypertension differences between 1932 African American young adults based on self-reported religious denomination. Gender-separated logistic regressions included religious service attendance and coping measures, as well as personal characteristics and health behaviors to adjust for potential effects on BP. The odds of having hypertension were higher for Pentecostal women compared to Baptist and Catholic women. Hypertension odds for women who reported attending services more than once weekly were lower than those who never attended church. For women, frequent use of religious coping predicted higher odds of having hypertension than seldom or never using religious coping. R/S variables did not predict significant differences among men. The health benefits of R/S do not appear to be consistent within African American Christian young adults. Religion may be viewed as a source of BP risk and resilience, especially among African American young women.
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20
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de Dios MA, Childress SD, Cano MÁ, McNeill LH, Reitzel LR, Vaughan E. Elevated cholesterol among African American adults: the role of fatalistic attitudes about health. ETHNICITY & HEALTH 2020; 25:835-842. [PMID: 29716391 DOI: 10.1080/13557858.2018.1469734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2017] [Accepted: 04/16/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Objectives: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) affects 47% of African-American adults (AAs) in the United States. Elevated cholesterol, the greatest risk factor for CVD, is highly prevalent among AAs, potentially as the result of engagement in behavioral risk factors. Religiosity has been associated with a beneficial effect in health promoting behaviors, yet findings have been mixed depending on methods employed. Religious health fatalism, defined as 'the belief that health outcomes are inevitable and/or determined by God', is a more specific domain of a religiosity that needs further exploration through scientific research. The purpose of the current study is to examine the relationship between RHFQ subscales and self-reported lifetime history of elevated cholesterol. Methods: Participants (n = 135) were recruited from a large, predominately African American church. A multiple logistic regression model was used to test whether the three subscales of the Religious Health Fatalism Questionnaire (RHFQ) were cross-sectional predictors of self-reported lifetime history of elevated cholesterol. Sets of variables were entered into a stepwise logistic regression model with the first set (Block 1) including significant demographic variables and religiosity (i.e. sex, age, level of education, employment status and scores on the Lukwago Religiosity Scale score [LRS]. The three RHFQ subscales were entered into Block 2 as our predictors of interest. Results: After adjusting for covariates, the likelihood of elevated cholesterol increased significantly (OR = 3.21, 95% CI = 1.81-5.69, p < .001) as Helpless Inevitability (RHFQ subscale) scores increased. Conclusions: A greater degree of Helpless Inevitability was found to be significantly associated with self-reported elevated cholesterol level. Future research is needed to further understand the complex interplay of factors associated with religiosity and fatalism that contribute to increased risk of elevated cholesterol among AAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcel A de Dios
- Department of Psychological, Health, and Learning Sciences, College of Education, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
- HEALTH Research Institute, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Sarah D Childress
- Department of Health Disparities Research, Division of Cancer Prevention and Population Sciences, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, USA
| | - Miguel Ángel Cano
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health and Social Work, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Lorna H McNeill
- Department of Psychological, Health, and Learning Sciences, College of Education, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
- HEALTH Research Institute, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Lorraine R Reitzel
- Department of Psychological, Health, and Learning Sciences, College of Education, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
- HEALTH Research Institute, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ellen Vaughan
- Department of Counseling and Educational Psychology, School of Education, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
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21
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Lee DB, Hope MO, Heinze JE, Cunningham M, Caldwell CH, Zimmerman MA. Psychological pathway from racial discrimination to the physical consequences of alcohol consumption: Religious coping as a protective factor. J Ethn Subst Abuse 2020; 19:453-475. [PMID: 30589400 PMCID: PMC6597340 DOI: 10.1080/15332640.2018.1540956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
While racial discrimination (RD) is associated with increased alcohol-related problems among African Americans (AAs), researchers have not examined how RD contributes to the physical consequences of alcohol consumption over time. In addition, the protective role of religious coping has been discussed but not formally tested in pathways connecting RD to the physical consequences of alcohol consumption. To address this gap, we estimated latent growth mediation models in a sample of 465 AA emerging adults. We found that RD increased physical consequences of alcohol consumption over time through psychological distress. After identifying two profiles of religious coping (i.e., low and high religious coping), RD indirectly influenced the physical consequences of alcohol consumption through psychological distress among AAs in the low religious coping group. Our results signal the importance of developing alcohol-misuse prevention programs that address the psychological consequences of RD. Integrating culturally tailored coping strategies (e.g., religious coping) may bolster the efficacy of these prevention programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel B. Lee
- Center for Human Growth and Development, University of
Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Meredith O. Hope
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, School
of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Justin E. Heinze
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, School
of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Mary Cunningham
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, School
of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Cleopatra H. Caldwell
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, School
of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Marc A. Zimmerman
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, School
of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
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22
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Walker RJ, Garacci E, Palatnik A, Ozieh MN, Egede LE. The Longitudinal Influence of Social Determinants of Health on Glycemic Control in Elderly Adults With Diabetes. Diabetes Care 2020; 43:759-766. [PMID: 32029639 PMCID: PMC7085811 DOI: 10.2337/dc19-1586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2019] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to understand the longitudinal relationship between financial, psychosocial, and neighborhood social determinants and glycemic control (HbA1c) in older adults with diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Data from 2,662 individuals with self-reported diabetes who participated in the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) were used. Participants were followed from 2006 through 2014. Financial hardship, psychosocial, and neighborhood-level social determinant factors were based on validated surveys from the biennial core interview and RAND data sets. All social determinant factors and measurements of HbA1c from the time period were used and treated as time varying in analyses. SAS PROC GLIMMIX was used to fit a series of hierarchical linear mixed models. Models controlled for nonindependence among the repeated observations using a random intercept and treating each individual participant as a random factor. Survey methods were used to apply HRS weighting. RESULTS Before adjustment for demographics, difficulty paying bills (β = 0.18 [95% CI 0.02, 0.24]) and medication cost nonadherence (0.15 [0.01, 0.29]) were independently associated with increasing HbA1c over time, and social cohesion (-0.05 [-0.10, -0.001]) was independently associated with decreasing HbA1c over time. After adjusting for both demographics and comorbidity count, difficulty paying bills (0.13 [0.03, 0.24]) and religiosity (0.04 [0.001, 0.08]) were independently associated with increasing HbA1c over time. CONCLUSIONS Using a longitudinal cohort of older adults with diabetes, this study found that financial hardship factors, such as difficulty paying bills, were more consistently associated with worsening glycemic control over time than psychosocial and neighborhood factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebekah J Walker
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI .,Center for Advancing Population Science, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI
| | - Emma Garacci
- Center for Advancing Population Science, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI
| | - Anna Palatnik
- Center for Advancing Population Science, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI
| | - Mukoso N Ozieh
- Center for Advancing Population Science, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI.,Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI
| | - Leonard E Egede
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI.,Center for Advancing Population Science, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI
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23
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Poteat T, Lassiter JM. Positive religious coping predicts self-reported HIV medication adherence at baseline and twelve-month follow-up among Black Americans living with HIV in the Southeastern United States. AIDS Care 2019; 31:958-964. [PMID: 30836764 PMCID: PMC6702942 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2019.1587363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
This paper presents the results of secondary data analyses investigating the influence of religious coping on HIV medication adherence across time among 167 Black Americans living with HIV (BALWH) in the Southeastern United States. Participants were recruited from a large urban clinic in Atlanta, GA and completed questionnaires about their religious coping at baseline assessment and about their medication adherence at baseline and 12-month follow-up assessment. Descriptive analyses and multiple linear regression were used to determine the association between religious coping and HIV medication adherence. Findings indicated that after controlling for age and depressive symptoms at baseline, positive religious coping significantly predicted medication adherence at baseline and 12-month follow-up. Negative religious coping was inversely associated with medication adherence at baseline after controlling for age and depressive symptoms but not at 12-month follow-up. The implications of these findings for future research and intervention work related to medication adherence among BALWH are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tonia Poteat
- Epidemiology Department, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD
| | - Jonathan Mathias Lassiter
- Psychology Department, Muhlenberg College, Allentown, PA. Twitter: @matjl,Correspondence should be addressed to the first author at: 2400 Chew Street, Allentown, PA 18104, 484-664-4312,
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24
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Alcaraz KI, Eddens KS, Blase JL, Diver WR, Patel AV, Teras LR, Stevens VL, Jacobs EJ, Gapstur SM. Social Isolation and Mortality in US Black and White Men and Women. Am J Epidemiol 2019; 188:102-109. [PMID: 30325407 DOI: 10.1093/aje/kwy231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2017] [Accepted: 09/24/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Social isolation is associated with higher mortality in studies comprising mostly white adults, yet associations among black adults are unclear. In this prospective cohort study, we evaluated whether associations of social isolation with all-cause, cardiovascular disease, and cancer mortality differed by race and sex. Adults enrolled in Cancer Prevention Study II in 1982/1983 were followed for mortality through 2012 (n = 580,182). Sex- and race-specific multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals were estimated for associations of a 5-point social isolation score with risk of death. Social isolation was associated with all-cause mortality in all subgroups (P for trend ≤ 0.005); for the most isolated versus the least isolated, the hazard ratios were 2.34 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.58, 3.46) and 1.60 (95% CI: 1.41, 1.82) among black men and white men, respectively (P for interaction = 0.40) and 2.13 (95% CI: 1.44, 3.15) and 1.84 (95% CI: 1.68, 2.01) among black women and white women, respectively (P for interaction = 0.89). The association did not differ between black men and black women (P for interaction = 0.33) but was slightly stronger in white women than in white men (P for interaction = 0.01). Social isolation was associated with cardiovascular disease mortality in each subgroup (P for trend < 0.03) but with cancer mortality only among whites (P for trend < 0.0001). Subgroup differences in the influence of specific social isolation components were identified. Identifying and intervening with socially isolated adults could improve health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kassandra I Alcaraz
- Behavioral and Epidemiology Research Group, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Katherine S Eddens
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society, College of Public Health, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky
| | - Jennifer L Blase
- School of Computer Science, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - W Ryan Diver
- Behavioral and Epidemiology Research Group, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Alpa V Patel
- Behavioral and Epidemiology Research Group, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Lauren R Teras
- Behavioral and Epidemiology Research Group, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Victoria L Stevens
- Behavioral and Epidemiology Research Group, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Eric J Jacobs
- Behavioral and Epidemiology Research Group, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Susan M Gapstur
- Behavioral and Epidemiology Research Group, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, Georgia
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25
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Pullins CT, Seele PC, White RO, Willis FB, Poole K, Albertie ML, Chamie C, Allen AM, Kelly M, Penheiter S, Buras MR, Brewer LC. Health Behaviors and Preventive Healthcare Utilization Among African-American Attendees at a Faith-Based Public Health Conference: Healthy Churches 2020. JOURNAL OF RELIGION AND HEALTH 2018; 57:2538-2551. [PMID: 29995232 PMCID: PMC7249222 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-018-0667-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Unhealthy eating habits and physical inactivity along with lack of access to quality healthcare contribute to the marked health disparities in chronic diseases among African-Americans. Faith-based public health conferences offer a potential opportunity to improve health literacy and change health behaviors through health promotion within this population, thereby reducing health disparities. This study examined the self-reported health behaviors and preventive healthcare utilization patterns of 77 participants at a predominantly African-American faith-based public health conference, Healthy Churches 2020. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to a sample of attendees to assess their health behaviors (diet and physical activity), preventive healthcare utilization (annual healthcare provider visits), and health-promoting activities at their places of worship. The results indicate that attendees of a faith-based public health conference have adequate preventive healthcare utilization, but suboptimal healthy behaviors. Our findings support the need for ongoing health-promoting activities with an emphasis on diet and physical activity among this population.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Richard O White
- Department of Community Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Floyd B Willis
- Department of Family Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Kenneth Poole
- Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ, USA
| | - Monica L Albertie
- Clinical Studies Unit, Health Disparities, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Chara Chamie
- Research Service, Health Disparities, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ, USA
| | - Angela M Allen
- College of Nursing and Health Innovation, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Marion Kelly
- Divison of Community Relations, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ, USA
| | - Sumedha Penheiter
- Office of Health Disparities Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Matthew R Buras
- Department of Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ, USA
| | - LaPrincess C Brewer
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA.
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26
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Clark EM, Williams BR, Huang J, Roth DL, Holt CL. A Longitudinal Study of Religiosity, Spiritual Health Locus of Control, and Health Behaviors in a National Sample of African Americans. JOURNAL OF RELIGION AND HEALTH 2018; 57:2258-2278. [PMID: 29322285 PMCID: PMC6039282 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-017-0548-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The present longitudinal study examined religious beliefs and behaviors, spiritual health locus of control (SHLOC), and selected health-related behaviors and outcomes in a national sample of 766 African American adults. Participants were interviewed by telephone three times over a 5-year period. Results indicated that stronger religious beliefs and religious behaviors were associated with greater changes in active SHLOC. There was some evidence of direct effects of religious beliefs and behaviors on changes in health behaviors. Religious behaviors were related to greater passive SHLOC over time across some health outcomes. Passive SHLOC was associated with some less desirable health outcomes over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eddie M. Clark
- Department of Psychology, Saint Louis University, Morrissey Hall, 3700 Lindell Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63108, USA. . Phone: (314) 977-2272
| | - Beverly Rosa Williams
- UAB Comprehensive Center for Healthy Aging, CH19 218K, 1720 2nd Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35294-1304, USA. . Phone: (205) 789-5814
| | - Jin Huang
- Center on Aging and Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore MD, 21205, USA. . Phone: (410) 502-6635
| | - David L. Roth
- Center on Aging and Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore MD, 21205, USA. . Phone: (410) 955-0491
| | - Cheryl L. Holt
- Department of Behavioral and Community Health, 1234W School of Public Health Bldg. (255), 422 Valley Drive, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA. . Phone: (301) 405-6659
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27
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Park CL, Holt CL, Le D, Christie J, Williams BR. Positive and Negative Religious Coping Styles as Prospective Predictors of Well-Being in African Americans. PSYCHOLOGY OF RELIGION AND SPIRITUALITY 2018; 10:318-326. [PMID: 30505376 PMCID: PMC6261495 DOI: 10.1037/rel0000124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Research on religious coping has proliferated in recent years, but many key questions remain, including the independent effects of positive and negative religious coping styles on well-being over time. Further, little research on religious coping styles has been conducted with African Americans in spite of their documented importance in this population. The present study examined the independent prospective effects on well-being of positive and negative religious coping styles over the subsequent 2.5 years in a national sample of African American community-dwelling adults. Well-being indicators included depressive symptoms and positive and negative affect as well as self-esteem and meaning in life. Results indicated that when considering positive and negative religious coping styles together, baseline positive religious coping consistently and positively predicted the well-being indicators 2.5 years later, while negative religious coping consistently and negatively predicted the well-being indicators 2.5 years later. These effects remained when examining change in well-being levels over time, although they attenuated in magnitude. Finally, negative religious coping more strongly predicted the negative aspects of well-being (e.g., depressive symptoms, negative affect) 2.5 years later than did positive religious coping, an effect that also remained but was attenuated when controlling for baseline levels of well-being. These results highlight the nuanced relationships between both positive and negative religious coping styles and positive and negative aspects of well-being over time among African Americans. Future research might usefully examine how to minimize negative effects and capitalize on the salutary effects of positive religious coping.
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Affiliation(s)
- Crystal L Park
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Connecticut
| | - Cheryl L Holt
- Behavioral and Community Health, University of Maryland, College Park
| | - Daisy Le
- Behavioral and Community Health, University of Maryland, College Park
| | - Juliette Christie
- Behavioral and Community Health, University of Maryland, College Park
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28
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Religiosity, Education, John Henryism Active Coping, and Cardiovascular Responses to Anger Recall for African American Men. JOURNAL OF BLACK PSYCHOLOGY 2018. [DOI: 10.1177/0095798418765859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The present study examined if high levels of religious attendance (ORG), private religious activity (NOR), or intrinsic religiosity (SUB) buffer cardiovascular responses to active speech and anger recall lab stressors alone and by John Henryism Active Coping (JHAC) and educational attainment. A sample of 74 healthy African American males, aged 23 to 47 years, completed psychosocial surveys and a lab reactivity protocol involving active speech and anger recall with a 5-minute baseline and ensuing recovery periods. Measures of religiosity, JHAC, and education were related to continuous measures of systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP), for each task and rest period with repeated measures ANOVA tests. The period by education by JHAC interaction effect was significant for diastolic BP responses at low but not higher NOR. At low education and low NOR, diastolic BP levels increased significantly during anger recall and ensuing recovery for high but not low JHAC persons. Thus, being deprived of education and private religious activity may put these African American men in a vulnerable situation where higher effort coping may exacerbate their cardiovascular reactivity and recovery to anger induction.
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Hermstad A, Honeycutt S, Flemming SS, Carvalho ML, Hodge T, Escoffery C, Kegler MC, Arriola KRJ. Social Environmental Correlates of Health Behaviors in a Faith-Based Policy and Environmental Change Intervention. HEALTH EDUCATION & BEHAVIOR 2018; 45:672-681. [PMID: 29504466 DOI: 10.1177/1090198118757826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Diet and physical activity are behavioral risk factors for many chronic diseases, which are among the most common health conditions in the United States. Yet most Americans fall short of meeting established dietary and physical activity guidelines. Faith-based organizations as settings for health promotion interventions can affect members at multiple levels of the social ecological model. The present study investigated whether change in the church social environment was associated with healthier behavior at church and in general at 1-year follow-up. Six churches received mini-grants and technical assistance for 1 year to support policy and environmental changes for healthy eating (HE) and physical activity (PA). Socioenvironmental (social support and social norms) and behavioral (HE and PA at church and in general) outcomes were derived from baseline and 1-year follow-up church member surveys ( n = 258). Three of six churches demonstrated significant improvements in all three socioenvironmental aspects of HE. Two of five churches exhibited significant socioenvironmental improvements for PA at follow-up. Church social environmental changes were related to health behaviors at church and in general ( p < .05). Change in social support for HE, social support for PA, and social norms for PA were each associated with three church-based and general behavioral outcomes. Social norms for healthy eating were related to two general behavior outcomes and social norms for unhealthy eating to one general behavioral outcome. Study findings demonstrate that socioenvironmental characteristics are essential to multilevel interventions and merit consideration in designing policy and environmental change interventions.
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Williams RM, Tagai EK, Santos SLZ, Slade JL, Carter RL, Holt CL. The Role of Leadership Support in a Church-Based Cancer Education Implementation Study. JOURNAL OF RELIGION AND HEALTH 2018; 57:146-156. [PMID: 28597333 PMCID: PMC5723241 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-017-0427-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Leadership plays a role in the success of an organization's initiatives. We examined church leaders' support-as perceived by lay community health advisor (CHA) interventionists-and implementation outcomes in a cancer early detection trial. CHAs perceived that their pastors: helped promote the intervention (M = 3.1/4, SD 1.2) and attended about half (M = 1.6/3, SD 1.3) the workshops. CHAs used marginally more techniques to recruit members when they perceived pastors were engaged in promoting the program (r s = .44, p = .08). Pastor attendance was positively associated with member enrollment (r s = .50, p < .05). Pastor support may be related to receptivity of both CHAs and congregants to engage in church health promotion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Randi M Williams
- Department of Behavioral and Community Health, School of Public Health (255), University of Maryland, 4200 Valley Drive, College Park, MD, 20742, USA.
| | | | - Sherie Lou Zara Santos
- Department of Behavioral and Community Health, School of Public Health (255), University of Maryland, 4200 Valley Drive, College Park, MD, 20742, USA
| | - Jimmie L Slade
- Community Ministry of Prince George's County, Upper Marlboro, MD, USA
| | - Roxanne L Carter
- Community Ministry of Prince George's County, Upper Marlboro, MD, USA
| | - Cheryl L Holt
- Department of Behavioral and Community Health, School of Public Health (255), University of Maryland, 4200 Valley Drive, College Park, MD, 20742, USA
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Holt CL, Roth DL, Huang J, Clark EM. Role of religious social support in longitudinal relationships between religiosity and health-related outcomes in African Americans. J Behav Med 2017; 41:62-73. [PMID: 28776192 DOI: 10.1007/s10865-017-9877-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2017] [Accepted: 07/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
This study tested a longitudinal model of religious social support as a potential mediator of the relationship between religious beliefs and behaviors, and multiple health-related outcomes (e.g., depressive symptoms, functioning, diet, alcohol use, cancer screening). A national probability sample of African Americans enrolled in the religion and health in African Americans study completed three waves of telephone interviews over a 5-year period (N = 766). Longitudinal structural equation models indicated that religious behaviors, but not beliefs, predicted the slowing of a modest overall decline in positive religious social support, while negative interactions with congregational members were stable. Positive religious support was associated with lower depressive symptoms and heavy drinking over time, while negative interaction predicted increases in depressive symptoms and decreases in emotional functioning. Positive religious support mediated the relationship between religious behaviors and depressive symptoms and heavy drinking. Findings have implications for mental health interventions in faith-based settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheryl L Holt
- School of Public Health, Department of Behavioral and Community Health, University of Maryland, 1234W School of Public Health Building (255), College Park, MD, 20742, USA.
| | - David L Roth
- Center on Aging and Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jin Huang
- Center on Aging and Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Eddie M Clark
- Department of Psychology, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO, USA
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Gross TT, Story CR, Harvey IS, Allsopp M, Whitt-Glover M. "As a Community, We Need to be More Health Conscious": Pastors' Perceptions on the Health Status of the Black Church and African-American Communities. J Racial Ethn Health Disparities 2017; 5:570-579. [PMID: 28707267 DOI: 10.1007/s40615-017-0401-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2017] [Revised: 06/16/2017] [Accepted: 06/20/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Churches are recognized for their potential capacity to provide health services and interventions to address health disparities in African-Americans (blacks). Since pastors are central community leaders, their support and involvement can influence both implementation and outcomes for church-based health programs. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore pastors' perceptions of congregant health status within the black church. METHODS Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 pastors whose female congregants participated in a physical activity intervention. Thematic analysis techniques were used to analyze interview data. RESULTS Three major themes emerged: (1) health risks in the African-American community, (2) health promotion in the black church, and (3) the importance of women in the black family and the church. Pastors noted numerous health disparities affecting their congregants and the African-American community at large, including obesity and infant mortality. They viewed health holistically and included faith in their perspectives. According to pastors, holistic health was promoted through health ministry programming in black churches. Women were described as the cornerstone of the black church, yet faced unique health concerns from their roles as family caretakers and congregants. DISCUSSION Pastors shared their major concerns for congregant health status and the African-American community. Health interventions focusing on African-Americans in church settings should include pastor involvement and should incorporate holistic approaches to address health risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyra Toston Gross
- Public Health Sciences, Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans, LA, 70125, USA.
| | - Chandra R Story
- Community and Public Health, Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, TN, USA
| | - Idethia Shevon Harvey
- Department of Health and Kinesiology, Texas A&M University College, Station, TX, USA.,Transdisciplinary Center for Health Equity Research, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Marie Allsopp
- Department of Food Science, Nutrition, and Health Promotion, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS, USA
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Holt CL, Roth DL, Huang J, Park CL, Clark EM. Longitudinal effects of religious involvement on religious coping and health behaviors in a national sample of African Americans. Soc Sci Med 2017. [PMID: 28645040 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2017.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Many studies have examined associations between religious involvement and health, linking various dimensions of religion with a range of physical health outcomes and often hypothesizing influences on health behaviors. However, far fewer studies have examined explanatory mechanisms of the religion-health connection, and most have overwhelmingly relied on cross-sectional analyses. Given the relatively high levels of religious involvement among African Americans and the important role that religious coping styles may play in health, the present study tested a longitudinal model of religious coping as a potential mediator of a multidimensional religious involvement construct (beliefs; behaviors) on multiple health behaviors (e.g., diet, physical activity, alcohol use, cancer screening). A national probability sample of African Americans was enrolled in the RHIAA (Religion and Health In African Americans) study and three waves of telephone interviews were conducted over a 5-year period (N = 565). Measurement models were fit followed by longitudinal structural models. Positive religious coping decreased modestly over time in the sample, but these reductions were attenuated for participants with stronger religious beliefs and behaviors. Decreases in negative religious coping were negligible and were not associated with either religious beliefs or religious behaviors. Religious coping was not associated with change in any of the health behaviors over time, precluding the possibility of a longitudinal mediational effect. Thus, mediation observed in previous cross-sectional analyses was not confirmed in this more rigorous longitudinal model over a 5-year period. However, findings do point to the role that religious beliefs have in protecting against declines in positive religious coping over time, which may have implications for pastoral counseling and other faith-based interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheryl L Holt
- University of Maryland, School of Public Health, Department of Behavioral and Community Health, United States.
| | - David L Roth
- Johns Hopkins University, Center on Aging and Health, United States
| | - Jin Huang
- Johns Hopkins University, Center on Aging and Health, United States
| | - Crystal L Park
- University of Connecticut, Department of Psychological Sciences, United States
| | - Eddie M Clark
- Saint Louis University, Department of Psychology, United States
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Krause N. Invited Commentary: Explaining the Relationship Between Attending Worship Services and Mortality-A Brief Excursion Into the Contribution of Social Relationships in Religious Institutions. Am J Epidemiol 2017; 185:523-525. [PMID: 28338857 DOI: 10.1093/aje/kww180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2016] [Accepted: 09/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In this issue of the Journal, VanderWeele et al. (Am J Epidemiol. 2017;000(00):000-000) report that more frequent attendance at worship services is associated with a lower mortality risk. However, the underlying processes that might explain this relationship were not discussed fully. A problem arises because the potentially beneficial association between attending worship services and mortality risk may be due to a number of different factors. At least part of the explanation may be found by turning to social relationships that arise in religious institutions. Within this context, there are potentially important benefits of providing social support to others. Support can be provided in several ways that involve potentially important health-related associations. In this commentary, I briefly examine the possible relationships between religious social support systems and other dimensions of congregational life and health. In-depth conceptual analyses are needed to move research in religious involvement and mortality to the next level.
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Park CL, Masters KS, Salsman JM, Wachholtz A, Clements AD, Salmoirago-Blotcher E, Trevino K, Wischenka DM. Advancing our understanding of religion and spirituality in the context of behavioral medicine. J Behav Med 2017; 40:39-51. [PMID: 27342616 PMCID: PMC5183527 DOI: 10.1007/s10865-016-9755-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2016] [Accepted: 06/01/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Recognizing and understanding the potentially powerful roles that religiousness and spirituality (RS) may serve in the prevention and amelioration of disease, as well as symptom management and health related quality of life, significantly enhances research and clinical efforts across many areas of behavioral medicine. This article examines the knowledge established to date and suggests advances that remain to be made. We begin with a brief summary of the current knowledge regarding RS as related to three exemplary health conditions: (a) cardiovascular disease; (b) cancer; and, (c) substance abuse. We then focus on particular concerns for future investigations, emphasizing conceptual issues, possible mediators and moderators of relationships or effects, and methodology. Our discussion is framed by a conceptual model that may serve to guide and organize future investigations. This model highlights a number of important issues regarding the study of links between RS and health: (a) RS comprise many diverse constructs, (b) the mechanisms through which RS may influence health outcomes are quite diverse, and (c) a range of different types of health and health relevant outcomes may be influenced by RS. The multidimensional nature of RS and the complexity of related associations with different types of health relevant outcomes present formidable challenges to empirical study in behavioral medicine. These issues are referred to throughout our review and we suggest several solutions to the presented challenges in our summary. We end with a presentation of barriers to be overcome, along with strategies for doing so, and concluding thoughts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Crystal L Park
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA.
| | - Kevin S Masters
- Department of Psychology, University of Colorado Denver, Denver, CO, 80217, USA
| | - John M Salsman
- Department of Social Sciences and Health Policy, Wake Forest School of Medicine & the Comprehensive Cancer Center of Wake, Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC, 27157, USA
| | - Amy Wachholtz
- Department of Psychology, University of Colorado Denver, Denver, CO, 80217, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Andrea D Clements
- Department of Psychology, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN, 37614, USA
| | - Elena Salmoirago-Blotcher
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, Brown University School of Medicine and School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Kelly Trevino
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Danielle M Wischenka
- Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology, Yeshivah University, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA
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Moorley CR, Cahill S, Corcoran NT. Life after Stroke: Coping mechanisms among African Caribbean Women. HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE IN THE COMMUNITY 2016; 24:769-778. [PMID: 26094703 DOI: 10.1111/hsc.12256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/21/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
In the UK, stroke is the third most common cause of death for women and the incidence in African Caribbean women is higher than that in the general population. Stroke burden has major consequences for the physical, mental and social health of African Caribbean women. In order to adjust to life after stroke, individuals affected employ a range of strategies which may include personal, religious (church) or spiritual support (i.e. prayer), individual motivation or resignation to life with a disability. This study explored these areas through the coping mechanisms that African Caribbean women utilised post stroke in the context of stroke recovery and lifestyle modification efforts needed to promote healthy living post stroke. A qualitative approach using interpretative phenomenological analysis was adopted. Seven women were recruited into the study. Semi-structured, in-depth interviews were audio recorded and were transcribed verbatim. Data were analysed using a four-stage framework: familiarisation, sense making, developing themes, and data refinement and analysis. Three main themes on coping emerged: the need to follow medical rules to manage stroke, strength and determination, and the use of religion and faith to cope with life after stroke. These findings illustrate both a tension between religious beliefs and the medical approach to stroke and highlight the potential benefits that religion and the church can play in stroke recovery. Implications for practice include acknowledgement and inclusion of religion- and church-based health promotion in post-stroke recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Calvin R Moorley
- Adult Nursing, Faculty of Health and Social Care, London South Bank University, London, UK.
| | - Sharon Cahill
- School of Psychology, University of East London, London, UK
| | - Nova T Corcoran
- School of Life Sciences, University of South Wales, Cardiff, UK
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Everhart RS, Miadich SA, Leibach GG, Borschuk AP, Koinis-Mitchell D. Acculturation and quality of life in urban, African American caregivers of children with asthma. J Asthma 2016; 53:983-8. [PMID: 27115558 DOI: 10.3109/02770903.2016.1167904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Racial/ethnic minority caregivers of children with asthma are at risk for low levels of quality of life (QOL). Limited research has identified factors that contribute to lower QOL among African American caregivers. This study examined associations between acculturation (e.g., engaging in values/beliefs traditional of one's culture versus adopting mainstream cultural views) and caregiver QOL in low-income, urban African American families of children (7-12 years) with persistent asthma. We also investigated the association between caregiver QOL and child emergency department (ED) use. METHODS Fifty-five caregivers and their children completed interview-based questionnaires in a single research session. Caregivers completed the Pediatric Asthma Caregiver Quality of Life Questionnaire (PACQLQ), the African American Acculturation Scale-Revised (AAAS-R), and reported on child asthma variables. Children completed items assessing asthma control. RESULTS Higher overall QOL and emotional function subscale scores were associated with more traditional African American religious beliefs/practices (r = .288, p = .033; r = .333, p = .013). Higher emotional function subscale scores were associated with more traditional values of African American families (r = .306, p = .023). Lower QOL was found among caregivers of children who had visited the ED three or more times in the last year. CONCLUSIONS Less acculturation tied to religious beliefs/practices and family values (as measured by the AAAS-R) may serve a protective role in reducing the burden low-income, urban African American caregivers experience in managing child asthma. This study is the first of its kind to study acculturation in African American caregivers of children with asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin S Everhart
- a Virginia Commonwealth University , Department of Psychology , Richmond , VA , USA
| | - Samantha A Miadich
- a Virginia Commonwealth University , Department of Psychology , Richmond , VA , USA
| | - Gillian G Leibach
- a Virginia Commonwealth University , Department of Psychology , Richmond , VA , USA
| | - Adrienne P Borschuk
- a Virginia Commonwealth University , Department of Psychology , Richmond , VA , USA
| | - Daphne Koinis-Mitchell
- b Bradley/Hasbro Children's Research Center, Alpert Medical School of Brown University , Providence , RI , USA
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Range LM, Brazda GF. How Organ Donors are Different from Non-donors: Responsibility, Barriers, and Religious Involvement. JOURNAL OF RELIGION AND HEALTH 2015; 54:2286-2291. [PMID: 25524413 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-014-9982-4] [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: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
To see if religious involvement, previously linked to various health behaviors, was linked to organ donation, 143 ethnically diverse undergraduates stated whether they were registered donors (53% were), and completed measures of organ donation attitudes and religious involvement. Compared with non-donors, donors reported fewer barriers, more family responsibility, and more willingness to receive donor organs, but were not different in religious involvement. Even in 2014, when being a "good Samaritan" by agreeing to organ donation is as easy as checking one box on a driver's license application, religious involvement does not seem to be a factor in checking this box.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lillian M Range
- Department of Counseling and Behavioral Sciences, Our Lady of Holy Cross College, 4123 Woodland Drive, New Orleans, LA, 70131, USA.
| | - Geoffrey F Brazda
- Department of Counseling and Behavioral Sciences, Our Lady of Holy Cross College, 4123 Woodland Drive, New Orleans, LA, 70131, USA
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The supportive roles of religion and spirituality in end-of-life and palliative care of patients with cancer in a culturally diverse context. Curr Opin Support Palliat Care 2015; 9:87-95. [DOI: 10.1097/spc.0000000000000119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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