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Strohmeier H, Musizvingoza R, Sajnani N. Racial discrimination within United Nations offices in Geneva: Results from an online survey. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0295715. [PMID: 38232108 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0295715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Racial discrimination adversely impacts health and well-being, and interferes with organizational functioning, including United Nations offices where limited systematic research exists. This article presents and discusses a secondary analysis of data from the 'Survey on Racial Discrimination' issued by the United Nations Staff Union Geneva in 2020. The survey produced quantitative and qualitative data and was completed by 1251 staff, consultants, and interns (response rate: 14.7%). Descriptive statistics were computed for key findings. More than one third (34.4%) of participants reported having personally experienced racial discrimination. Most reported national origin as basis (61.8%), stated that this experience had affected their opportunities for career advancement (66.2%), and took no action as response (57.4%), mainly due to a lack of trust in the organization's recourse mechanism. In addition, more than one third (34.3%) of survey participants had witnessed colleagues being racially discriminated against. Chi-square tests to assess differences between groups showed that those belonging to a racial, ethnic, and/or national minority or group reported higher rates of personally experienced and witnessed incidents of racial discrimination compared to those who did not identify as such. Furthermore, participants who reported having experienced racial discrimination had a higher proportion of witnessing racial discrimination. The qualitative survey data on suggested measures to address racial discrimination in the workplace were examined through thematic analysis and rendered three overarching themes: Understanding racial discrimination; revising practices of recruitment, promotion, and appointment; and restructuring case management processes. Our results suggest that racial discrimination poses a significant issue within United Nations offices in Geneva and call for educational initiatives and significant structural changes. We recommend tailored research to inform these measures and highlight that committed leadership and the participation and vigilance of all involved in shaping the culture of the organization is needed to address racial discrimination in the workplace.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Strohmeier
- Institute of International Health, Charité -Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ronald Musizvingoza
- Institute of International Health, Charité -Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Nisha Sajnani
- Steinhart School of Culture, Education and Human Development, New York University, New York, New York, United States of America
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Haley EN, Loree AM, Maye M, Coleman KJ, Braciszewski JM, Snodgrass M, Harry ML, Carlin AM, Miller-Matero LR. Racial Differences in Psychiatric Symptoms, Maladaptive Eating, and Lifestyle Behaviors After Bariatric Surgery. J Racial Ethn Health Disparities 2023:10.1007/s40615-023-01835-8. [PMID: 37874488 DOI: 10.1007/s40615-023-01835-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
There are several psychological and behavioral factors associated with poorer outcomes following bariatric surgery, yet it is unknown whether and how these factors may differ by race. In this cross-sectional study, individuals who underwent bariatric surgery from 2018 to 2021 and up to 4 years post-surgery were invited to complete an online survey. Psychiatric symptoms, maladaptive eating patterns, self-monitoring behaviors, and exercise frequency were examined. Participants (N = 733) were 87% women, 63% White, with a mean age of 44 years. Analyses of covariance demonstrated that White individuals endorsed greater anxiety symptoms (p =.01) and emotional eating due to depression (p = .01), whereas Black individuals endorsed greater depression severity (p = .02). Logistic regression analyses demonstrated that White individuals were more likely to experience loss of control eating (OR= 1.7, p = .002), grazing (OR= 2.53, p <.001), and regular self-weighing (OR= 1.41, p <.001) than Black individuals, and were less likely to skip meals (OR= .61, p = .04), or partake in nighttime eating (OR= .40, p <.001). There were no racial differences in binge eating, emotional eating due to anxiety or frustration, use of a food diary, or exercise. Thus, depressive symptoms, skipping meals, and nighttime eating may be important, modifiable intervention targets to optimize the benefits of bariatric surgery and promote equitable outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin N Haley
- Behavioral Health, Henry Ford Health, Detroit, USA.
- Center for Health Policy and Health Services Research, Henry Ford Health, 1 Ford Place, 5E, Detroit, MI, 48202, USA.
| | - Amy M Loree
- Center for Health Policy and Health Services Research, Henry Ford Health, 1 Ford Place, 5E, Detroit, MI, 48202, USA
| | - Melissa Maye
- Center for Health Policy and Health Services Research, Henry Ford Health, 1 Ford Place, 5E, Detroit, MI, 48202, USA
| | | | - Jordan M Braciszewski
- Behavioral Health, Henry Ford Health, Detroit, USA
- Center for Health Policy and Health Services Research, Henry Ford Health, 1 Ford Place, 5E, Detroit, MI, 48202, USA
| | | | - Melissa L Harry
- Essentia Institute of Rural Health, Essentia Health, Duluth, USA
| | | | - Lisa R Miller-Matero
- Behavioral Health, Henry Ford Health, Detroit, USA
- Center for Health Policy and Health Services Research, Henry Ford Health, 1 Ford Place, 5E, Detroit, MI, 48202, USA
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Pratt S, Hagan-Haynes K. Applying a Health Equity Lens to Work-Related Motor Vehicle Safety in the United States. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:6909. [PMID: 37887647 PMCID: PMC10606728 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20206909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Motor vehicle crashes (MVCs) are the leading cause of fatal work-related injuries in the United States. Research assessing sociodemographic risk disparities for work-related MVCs is limited, yet structural and systemic inequities at work and during commutes likely contribute to disproportionate MVC risk. This paper summarizes the literature on risk disparities for work-related MVCs by sociodemographic and employment characteristics and identifies worker populations that have been largely excluded from previous research. The social-ecological model is used as a framework to identify potential causes of disparities at five levels-individual, interpersonal, organizational, community, and public policy. Expanded data collection and analyses of work-related MVCs are needed to understand and reduce disparities for pedestrian workers, workers from historically marginalized communities, workers with overlapping vulnerabilities, and workers not adequately covered by employer policies and safety regulations. In addition, there is a need for more data on commuting-related MVCs in the United States. Inadequate access to transportation, which disproportionately affects marginalized populations, may make travel to and from work less safe and limit individuals' access to employment. Identifying and remedying inequities in work-related MVCs, whether during the day or while commuting, will require the efforts of industry and multiple public sectors, including public health, transportation, and labor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Pratt
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Division of Safety Research, Morgantown, WV 26505, USA;
- Strategic Innovative Solutions, LLC, Clearwater, FL 33760, USA
| | - Kyla Hagan-Haynes
- Injury and Violence Prevention Center, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Western States Division, Denver, CO 80225, USA
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Hu Z, Li J. Associations of Workplace Violence With Cardiovascular Disease Among United States Workers: Findings From a National Survey. J Prev Med Public Health 2023; 56:368-376. [PMID: 37551075 PMCID: PMC10415653 DOI: 10.3961/jpmph.23.032] [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] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Recent research indicates a potential association between workplace violence and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in the working-age population. However, the relevant evidence in the United States is sparse. Thus, this study was conducted to explore the possible relationship between workplace violence and CVD among United States workers. METHODS We utilized cross-sectional data from the 2015 National Health Interview Survey, which included a representative sample of 18 380 workers, to investigate the associations between workplace violence and the prevalence of CVD using logistic regression. Workplace violence was determined based on self-reported threats, bullying, or harassment at work over the past 12 months, supplemented with additional information regarding frequency. CVD included all forms of heart disease and stroke. RESULTS A total of 1334 workers reported experiences of workplace violence, and 1336 workers were diagnosed with CVD. After adjustment for covariates, participants who reported any instance of workplace violence had significantly higher odds of having CVD (odds ratio [OR], 1.76; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.35 to 2.30) than those who reported no such violence. Furthermore, the highest odds of CVD (OR, 1.80; 95% CI, 1.23 to 2.63) were observed among those frequently exposed to workplace violence. Even occasional exposure to workplace violence was associated with 74% excess odds of CVD. CONCLUSIONS Our study indicates an association between workplace violence and CVD in United States workers, exhibiting a dose-response pattern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheyu Hu
- Conestoga High School, Berwyn, PA,
USA
| | - Jian Li
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Fielding School of Public Health, School of Nursing, University of California, Los Angeles, CA,
USA
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