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Passmore SR, Gerbitz A, Hancock GR, Evans L, Green-Harris G, Edwards DF, Jackson T, Thomas SB. "My Blood, You Know, My Biology Being out There…": Consent and Participant Control of Biological Samples. J Empir Res Hum Res Ethics 2024; 19:3-15. [PMID: 38192107 PMCID: PMC10957312 DOI: 10.1177/15562646231222665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
The widespread and persistent underrepresentation of groups experiencing health disparities in research involving biospecimens is a barrier to scientific knowledge and advances in health equity. To ensure that all groups have the opportunity to participate in research and feel welcome and safe doing so, we must understand how research studies may be shaped to promote inclusion. In this study, we explored the decision to participate in hypothetical research scenarios among African American adults (n = 169) that varied on the basis of four attributes (form of consent, reason for research, institutional affiliation and race of the researcher). Findings indicate that participants were largely willing to contribute to biobanks but significantly preferred opportunities where they had control over the use of their biological samples through tiered or study-specific forms of consent. Broad consent procedures, although common and perhaps preferred by participants with high trust in researchers, may amount to an exclusionary practice.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Abigail Gerbitz
- School of Nursing, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Gregory R. Hancock
- Department of Human Development and Quantitative Methodology, College of Education, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Laura Evans
- Human Development and Family Studies, School of Human Ecology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Gina Green-Harris
- Center for Community Engagement and Health Partnerships, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, USA
| | - Dorothy Farrar Edwards
- School of Nursing, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, USA
- Department of Kinesiology, School of Education, University of Wisconsin, Madison, USA
| | - Tyson Jackson
- School of Nursing, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Stephen B. Thomas
- Center for Health Equity, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
- Department of Health Policy and Management, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
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Altmann HM, Gebara MA, Albert SM, Morse JQ, Reynolds CF, Thomas SB, Stahl ST. Interpersonal Support Domains Associated With Symptoms of Posttraumatic Stress Among Older Black and White Adults. J Clin Psychiatry 2023; 84. [PMID: 37256634 DOI: 10.4088/jcp.22m14634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Objective: Older adults experience numerous changes in their social networks and social environment that may worsen preexisting posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. This study tested whether tangible support, appraisal support, belonging support, and self-esteem were associated with trauma symptom burden among community-dwelling older Black and White adults at baseline and over 12 months of follow-up. Methods: This study used data collected from a randomized controlled trial for depression prevention in adults 50 years of age or older who had subsyndromal depression (2006-2011). Two hundred forty-four participants (including 90 older Black adults) were randomly assigned to a problem-solving therapy arm or an active control arm. The Interpersonal Support Evaluation List (ISEL) was administered at baseline and 12 months later. Linear regression analysis was used to examine associations of each of the ISEL dimensions with DSM-IV-defined PTSD symptoms at baseline and over time, with control for well-established correlates of PTSD including depression, anxiety, and sleep quality. Results: Participants were a mean (SD) of 65.6 (11.0) years of age, and 71% percent were female. Belongingness support was the only dimension of interpersonal support significantly associated with PTSD symptoms at baseline (β = -0.192, t = -3.582, P < .001) and 12 months later (β = -0.183, t = -2.735, P < .01). Regression models accounted for a large proportion of variance in PTSD symptoms. The association between belongingness support and PTSD symptoms did not vary by participant race. Conclusions: A strong perception of belongingness to family and/or friends was associated with fewer PTSD symptoms at baseline and over 12 months. This observation generates the hypothesis that behavioral interventions which directly target and modify interpersonal support may benefit both older Black and older White adults who have experienced trauma. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00326677.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helene M Altmann
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Marie Anne Gebara
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Steven M Albert
- Department of Behavioral and Community Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Jennifer Q Morse
- Graduate Psychology Programs, Chatham University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Charles F Reynolds
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Stephen B Thomas
- Department of Health Policy & Management, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland
| | - Sarah T Stahl
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Corresponding author: Sarah T. Stahl, PhD, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, 3811 O'Hara St, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
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Payne-Sturges DC, Ballard E, Cory-Slechta DA, Thomas SB, Hovmand P. Making the invisible visible: Using a qualitative system dynamics model to map disparities in cumulative environmental stressors and children's neurodevelopment. Environ Res 2023; 221:115295. [PMID: 36681143 PMCID: PMC9957960 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.115295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2022] [Revised: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The combined effects of multiple environmental toxicants and social stressor exposures are widely recognized as important public health problems, likely contributing to health inequities. However, US policy makers at state and federal levels typically focus on one stressor exposure at a time and have failed to develop comprehensive strategies to reduce multiple co-occurring exposures, mitigate cumulative risks and prevent harm. This research aimed to move from considering disparate environmental stressors in isolation to mapping the links between environmental, economic, social and health outcomes as a dynamic complex system using children's exposure to neurodevelopmental toxicants as an illustrative example. Such a model can be used to support a broad range of child developmental and environmental health policy stakeholders in improving their understanding of cumulative effects of multiple chemical, physical, biological and social environmental stressors as a complex system through a collaborative learning process. METHODS We used system dynamics (SD) group model building to develop a qualitative causal theory linking multiple interacting streams of social stressors and environmental neurotoxicants impacting children's neurodevelopment. A 2 1/2-day interactive system dynamics workshop involving experts across multiple disciplines was convened to develop the model followed by qualitative survey on system insights. RESULTS The SD causal map covered seven interconnected themes: environmental exposures, social environment, health status, education, employment, housing and advocacy. Potential high leverage intervention points for reducing disparities in children's cumulative neurotoxicant exposures and effects were identified. Workshop participants developed deeper level of understanding about the complexity of cumulative environmental health risks, increased their agreement about underlying causes, and enhanced their capabilities for integrating diverse forms of knowledge about the complex multi-level problem of cumulative chemical and non-chemical exposures. CONCLUSION Group model building using SD can lead to important insights to into the sociological, policy, and institutional mechanisms through which disparities in cumulative impacts are transmitted, resisted, and understood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devon C Payne-Sturges
- Maryland Institute for Applied Environmental Health, University of Maryland School of Public Health, 255 Valley Drive, College Park, MD, 20742, USA.
| | - Ellis Ballard
- Brown School of Social Work and Director of the Social System Design Lab, Washington University, Campus Box 1196, One Brookings Dr., St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA
| | | | - Stephen B Thomas
- Department of Health Policy and Management and Director of Maryland Center for Health Equity, University of Maryland School of Public Health, 255 Valley Drive, College Park, MD, 20742, USA
| | - Peter Hovmand
- Center for Community Health Integration, Case Western Reserve University, 10900 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH, 44106-7136, USA
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Jung MY, Juon HS, Slopen N, He X, Thomas SB, Lee S. Racial Discrimination and Health-Related Quality of Life: An Examination Among Asian American Immigrants. J Racial Ethn Health Disparities 2022; 9:1262-1275. [PMID: 34086197 PMCID: PMC8176876 DOI: 10.1007/s40615-021-01067-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2020] [Revised: 04/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We aimed to examine the relationship between everyday and major racial discrimination with health-related quality of life (HRQOL), which consists of self-rated health, days of poor physical health, mental health, and activity limitation. DESIGN In a cross-sectional analytic sample of 524 foreign-born Asian adults, aged 18 years and older, we conducted multivariable logistic regression and multivariable negative binomial regression to examine associations between discrimination and HRQOL. Furthermore, potential effect modification was tested by gender, ethnicity, and social support. RESULTS Associations were found between everyday racial discrimination and days of poor physical health (incidence rate ratio, IRR = 1.05), mental health (IRR = 1.03), and activity limitation (IRR = 1.05). Stronger significant associations were observed between major racial discrimination and days of poor physical health (IRR = 1.21), mental health (IRR = 1.16), and activity limitation (IRR = 1.53), adjusting for all covariates. Racial discrimination was not associated with poor self-rated health. In addition, gender significantly modified the relationship between continuous racial discrimination and activity limitation days with associations of greater magnitude among men, while social support significantly modified the association between categorized major racial discrimination and physically unhealthy days. When stratified, the association was only significant among those with low social support (IRR = 3.04; 95% CI: 1.60, 5.79) as opposed to high social support. CONCLUSIONS This study supports the association between racial discrimination and worse HRQOL among Asian Americans, which can inform future interventions, especially among men and those with low social support, aimed at improving the quality of life in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Y Jung
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Maryland School of Public Health, 4200 Valley Drive, College Park, MD, 20742, USA.
| | - Hee-Soon Juon
- Department of Medical Oncology, Division of Population Science, Thomas Jefferson University, 834 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA
| | - Natalie Slopen
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 677 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Xin He
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Maryland School of Public Health, 4200 Valley Drive, College Park, MD, 20742, USA
| | - Stephen B Thomas
- Department of Health Policy and Management, University of Maryland School of Public Health, 4200 Valley Drive, College Park, MD, 20742, USA
| | - Sunmin Lee
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, 653 E Peltason Drive, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
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Shao Y, Kavi L, Boyle M, Louis LM, Pool W, Thomas SB, Wilson S, Rule AM, Quiros-Alcala L. Real-time air monitoring of occupational exposures to particulate matter among hairdressers in Maryland: A pilot study. Indoor Air 2021; 31:1144-1153. [PMID: 33682973 DOI: 10.1111/ina.12817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Hairdressers are exposed to particulate matter (PM), a known air pollutant linked to adverse health effects. Still, studies on occupational PM exposures in hair salons are sparse. We characterized indoor air PM concentrations in three salons primarily serving an African/African American (AA) clientele, and three Dominican salons primarily serving a Latino clientele. We also assessed the performance of low-cost sensors (uRAD, Flow, AirVisual) by comparing them to high-end sensors (DustTrak) to conduct air monitoring in each salon over 3 days to quantify work shift concentrations of PM2.5 , respirable PM (RPM), and PM10 . We observed high spatial and temporal variability in 30-min time-weighted average (TWA) RPM concentrations (0.18-5518 μg/m3 ). Readings for the uRAD and AirVisual sensors were highly correlated with the DustTrak (R2 = 0.90-0.99). RPM 8-hour TWAs ranged from 18 to 383 µg/m3 for AA salons, and 9-2115 µg/m3 for Dominican salons. Upper 95th percentiles of daily RPM exposures ranged from 439 to 2669 µg/m3 . The overall range of 30-min TWA PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations was 0.13-5497 and 0.36-,541 μg/m3 , respectively. Findings suggest that hairdressers could be overexposed to RPM during an 8-hour shift. Additional comprehensive monitoring studies are warranted to further characterize temporal and spatial variability of PM exposures in this understudied occupational population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Shao
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Lucy Kavi
- School of Public Health, Maryland Institute of Applied Environmental Health (MIAEH, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA
| | - Meleah Boyle
- School of Public Health, Maryland Institute of Applied Environmental Health (MIAEH, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA
| | - Lydia M Louis
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Stephen B Thomas
- Maryland Center for Health Equity, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA
| | - Sacoby Wilson
- School of Public Health, Maryland Institute of Applied Environmental Health (MIAEH, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA
| | - Ana M Rule
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Lesliam Quiros-Alcala
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- School of Public Health, Maryland Institute of Applied Environmental Health (MIAEH, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA
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Passmore SR, Jamison AM, Abdelwadoud M, Rogers TB, Wiggan M, Mullins DC, Thomas SB. Use of a Qualitative Story Deck to Create Scenarios and Uncover Factors Associated with African American Participation in Genomics Research. Field methods 2021; 33:159-174. [PMID: 34326707 PMCID: PMC8318208 DOI: 10.1177/1525822x20982089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
To gain a complex understanding of willingness to participate in genomics research among African Americans, we developed a technique specifically suited to studying decision making in a relaxed social setting. The "Qualitative Story Deck," (QSD) is a gamified, structured elicitation technique that allows for the spontaneous creation of scenarios with variable attributes. We used the QSD to create research scenarios that varied on four details (race/ethnicity of the researcher; research goal; biospecimen requested; and institutional affiliation). Participants created scenarios by randomly choosing cards from these categories and provided: (1) a judgement about their willingness to participate in the research project represented; and (2) their thought process in reaching a decision. The QSD has applicability to topics involving decision making or in cases where it would be beneficial to provide vignettes with alternate attributes. Additional benefits include: rapid establishment of rapport and engagement and the facilitation of discussion of little known or sensitive topics.
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Payne-Sturges DC, Cory-Slechta DA, Puett RC, Thomas SB, Hammond R, Hovmand PS. Defining and Intervening on Cumulative Environmental Neurodevelopmental Risks: Introducing a Complex Systems Approach. Environ Health Perspect 2021; 129:35001. [PMID: 33688743 PMCID: PMC7945198 DOI: 10.1289/ehp7333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Revised: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The combined effects of multiple environmental toxicants and social stressor exposures are widely recognized as important public health problems contributing to health inequities. However cumulative environmental health risks and impacts have received little attention from U.S. policy makers at state and federal levels to develop comprehensive strategies to reduce these exposures, mitigate cumulative risks, and prevent harm. An area for which the inherent limitations of current approaches to cumulative environmental health risks are well illustrated is children's neurodevelopment, which exhibits dynamic complexity of multiple interdependent and causally linked factors and intergenerational effects. OBJECTIVES We delineate how a complex systems approach, specifically system dynamics, can address shortcomings in environmental health risk assessment regarding exposures to multiple chemical and nonchemical stressors and reshape associated public policies. DISCUSSION Systems modeling assists in the goal of solving problems by improving the "mental models" we use to make decisions, including regulatory and policy decisions. In the context of disparities in children's cumulative exposure to neurodevelopmental stressors, we describe potential policy insights about the structure and behavior of the system and the types of system dynamics modeling that would be appropriate, from visual depiction (i.e., informal maps) to formal quantitative simulation models. A systems dynamics framework provides not only a language but also a set of methodological tools that can more easily operationalize existing multidisciplinary scientific evidence and conceptual frameworks on cumulative risks. Thus, we can arrive at more accurate diagnostic tools for children's' environmental health inequities that take into consideration the broader social and economic environment in which children live, grow, play, and learn. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP7333.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devon C. Payne-Sturges
- Maryland Institute for Applied Environmental Health, University of Maryland School of UMD Public Health, College Park, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Robin C. Puett
- Maryland Institute for Applied Environmental Health, University of Maryland School of UMD Public Health, College Park, Maryland, USA
| | - Stephen B. Thomas
- Department of Health Policy and Management and Maryland Center for Health Equity, University of Maryland School of Public Health, College Park, Maryland, USA
| | - Ross Hammond
- Brown School of Social Work, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
- Center on Social Dynamics and Policy, The Brookings Institution, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Peter S. Hovmand
- Center for Community Health Integration, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
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Denny A, Streitz M, Stock K, Balls-Berry JE, Barnes LL, Byrd GS, Croff R, Gao S, Glover CM, Hendrie HC, Hu WT, Manly JJ, Moulder KL, Stark S, Thomas SB, Whitmer R, Wong R, Morris JC, Lingler JH. Perspective on the "African American participation in Alzheimer disease research: Effective strategies" workshop, 2018. Alzheimers Dement 2020; 16:1734-1744. [PMID: 33034414 PMCID: PMC7887120 DOI: 10.1002/alz.12160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The Washington University School of Medicine Knight Alzheimer Disease Research Center's "African American Participation in Alzheimer Disease Research: Effective Strategies" Workshop convened to address a major limitation of the ongoing scientific progress regarding Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD): participants in most ADRD research programs overwhelmingly have been limited to non-Hispanic white persons, thus precluding knowledge as to how ADRD may be represented in non-white individuals. Factors that may contribute to successful recruitment and retention of African Americans into ADRD research were discussed and organized into actionable next steps as described within this report.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Denny
- Knight Alzheimer Disease Research Center, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Marissa Streitz
- Knight Alzheimer Disease Research Center, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Kristin Stock
- Washington University in Saint Louis, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Joyce E Balls-Berry
- Knight Alzheimer Disease Research Center, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Lisa L Barnes
- Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Goldie S Byrd
- Maya Angelou Center for Health Equity, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Raina Croff
- Layton Aging & Alzheimer's Disease Center, Department of Neurology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Sujuan Gao
- Department of Biostatistics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Crystal M Glover
- Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Hugh C Hendrie
- Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | | | - Jennifer J Manly
- Department of Neurology, Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Krista L Moulder
- Knight Alzheimer Disease Research Center, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Susan Stark
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Stephen B Thomas
- Maryland Center for Health Equity, University of Maryland College Park, College Park, Maryland, USA
| | - Rachel Whitmer
- Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Roger Wong
- Public Health Sciences Brown School, Washington University in Saint Louis, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - John C Morris
- Knight Alzheimer Disease Research Center, Harvey A & Dorismae Hacker Friedman Distinguished Professor of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Jennifer H Lingler
- School of Nursing and Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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Reyes-Menendez A, Saura JR, Thomas SB. Exploring key indicators of social identity in the #MeToo era: Using discourse analysis in UGC. International Journal of Information Management 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijinfomgt.2020.102129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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10
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Womack VY, Wood CV, House SC, Quinn SC, Thomas SB, McGee R, Byars-Winston A. Culturally aware mentorship: Lasting impacts of a novel intervention on academic administrators and faculty. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0236983. [PMID: 32764768 PMCID: PMC7413486 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0236983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2019] [Accepted: 07/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
National efforts to address the diversity dilemma in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) often emphasize increasing numbers of historically underrepresented (HU) students and faculty, but fall short in instituting concrete changes for inclusion and belonging. Therefore, increasing the pool of senior faculty who wish to become guides and advocates for emerging scientists from HU populations is an essential step toward creating new pathways for their career advancement. As a step toward achieving this goal, we created a novel eight-hour intervention on Culturally Aware Mentoring (CAM), a program of the National Research Mentoring Network (NRMN) targeted to faculty and administrators. A previous report of surveys at the end of the CAM sessions revealed substantial awareness and knowledge gains, with participants expressing intentions to use and implement new skills they had learned. In this paper, we provide the results of our thematic analysis of qualitative interviews with academic administrators and faculty, 18-24 months after participation in CAM. Interviews were designed to determine: 1) What changes in self-perceptions and interactions occurred as a result of participation in CAM? 2) What specific components of CAM are associated with changes in individual beliefs and practices? 3) How did participants actively make changes after the CAM workshop? 4) What barriers or challenges do participants encounter after the CAM intervention? The results demonstrate the lasting influences of CAM on participants' awareness of cultural differences, their assumptions about and approaches toward interactions with colleagues and students, and their efforts to change their behaviors to promote inclusive practices in their mentoring and teaching of HU students in STEM. Our findings provide evidence that CAM can be incorporated into existing mentor training programs designed to improve the confidence and capacity of senior research faculty mentors to make culturally-informed, scholar-centered decisions to more deliberately recognize and respond to cultural differences within their mentoring and collegial relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Y. Womack
- Searle Center for Advancing Teaching and Learning, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Christine V. Wood
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States of America
| | - Stephanie C. House
- Institute for Clinical and Translational Research, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI, United States of America
| | - Sandra C. Quinn
- Department of Family Science and Maryland Center for Health Equity, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, United States of America
| | - Stephen B. Thomas
- Department of Health Policy and Management and Maryland Center for Health Equity, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, United States of America
| | - Richard McGee
- Faculty Affairs, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States of America
| | - Angela Byars-Winston
- Department of Medicine, Center for Women’s Health Research, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI, United States of America
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Saura JR, Reyes-Menendez A, Thomas SB. Gaining a deeper understanding of nutrition using social networks and user-generated content. Internet Interv 2020; 20:100312. [PMID: 32300536 PMCID: PMC7153295 DOI: 10.1016/j.invent.2020.100312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2019] [Revised: 11/18/2019] [Accepted: 02/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Using user-generated content (UGC) on Twitter, the present study identifies the main themes that revolve around the concept of healthy diet and determine user feelings about various foods. Using a dataset of tweets with the hashtag "#Diet" or "#FoodDiet" (n = 10.591), we first use a Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) model to identify the food categories most discussed on Twitter. Then, based on the results of the LDA model, we apply sentiment analysis to divide the identified tweets into three groups (negative, positive and neutral) based on the feelings expressed in corresponding tweets. Finally, the text mining approach is performed to identify foods according to the feelings expressed about those in corresponding tweets, as well as to derive key indicators that collectively present the UGC-based knowledge of healthy eating. The results of the present study show that among the foods most negatively perceived in the UGC are bacon, sugar, processed foods, red meat, and snacks. By contrast, water, apples, salads, broccoli and spinach are evaluated more positively. Furthermore, our findings suggest that the collective UGC knowledge is lacking on such healthy foods as fish, poultry, dry beans, nuts, as well as yogurt and cheese. The results of the present study can help the World Health Organization (WHO), as well as other institutions concerned with the study of healthy eating, to improve their communication policies on healthy products and preparation of balanced diets.
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12
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen B Thomas
- Stephen B. Thomas is with the Department of Health Policy and Management and the Maryland Center for Health Equity, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, College Park. Erica Casper is with Leidos Inc, Reston, VA
| | - Erica Casper
- Stephen B. Thomas is with the Department of Health Policy and Management and the Maryland Center for Health Equity, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, College Park. Erica Casper is with Leidos Inc, Reston, VA
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13
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Passmore SR, Jamison AM, Hancock GR, Abdelwadoud M, Mullins CD, Rogers TB, Thomas SB. "I'm a Little More Trusting": Components of Trustworthiness in the Decision to Participate in Genomics Research for African Americans. Public Health Genomics 2020; 22:215-226. [PMID: 31955173 PMCID: PMC7037806 DOI: 10.1159/000505271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2019] [Accepted: 12/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS This study sought to explore the decision to participate in genomics research for African American individuals. Our overall goal was to explore (1) the attributes that significantly contribute to willingness to participate in genomics research; (2) how these attributes are interpreted (what is their meaning?); (3) how trustworthiness is estimated in the decision to participate in research (i.e., what are the symbolic representations or heuristics of trustworthiness in decision-making?); and (4) how participants see factors to counterweigh each other. METHODS We sought a methodology that would afford exploration of the compensatory nature of decision-making where some choice attributes may be weighed differently than others as well as the use of heuristics (shortcuts to estimate key concepts in the mentally taxing task of decision-making) for concepts such as trustworthiness. We used a qualitative story deck to create hypothetical research scenarios with variable attributes (i.e., researcher race/ethnicity; institutional affiliation; research goal; and biospecimen requested) to determine how individuals find and interpret information to make decisions about research participation. These semi-structured interviews (n = 82) were conducted in African American barbershops in Baltimore City and Prince George's County, Maryland. RESULTS Quantitative and qualitative analysis was completed. Findings include that, even in the absence of interpersonal connection, trustworthiness can be communicated through multiple factors, such as (1) shared values with researchers and (2) familiarity. Conversely, (1) ambiguity, especially regarding the use of biospecimens, (2) negative reputations, and (3) perceptions of "hidden agendas" were associated with a lower willingness to participate. However, the alignment of participant and research goals was weighed more heavily in decisions than other factors. CONCLUSION This study finds that negatively assessed characteristics in research design do not result in automatic rejections of participation. Negative assessments can be mitigated by emphasizing the multiple factors that communicate trustworthiness in the consent process, which may improve rates of research participation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan Racine Passmore
- Collaborative Center for Health Equity, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA,
| | - Amelia M Jamison
- Center for Health Equity, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA
| | - Gregory R Hancock
- Department of Human Development and Quantitative Methodology, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA
| | - Moaz Abdelwadoud
- Department of Pharmaceutical Health Services Research, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - C Daniel Mullins
- Department of Pharmaceutical Health Services Research, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Taylor B Rogers
- Department of Health Policy and Management, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Stephen B Thomas
- Department of Health Policy and Management, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA
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Passmore SR, Casper E, Olgin JE, Maguire C, Marcus GM, Pletcher MJ, Thomas SB. Setting and motivation in the decision to participate: An approach to the engagement of diverse samples in mobile research. Contemp Clin Trials Commun 2019; 16:100428. [PMID: 31463416 PMCID: PMC6706628 DOI: 10.1016/j.conctc.2019.100428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2019] [Revised: 07/17/2019] [Accepted: 08/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Internet and mobile based research are powerful tools in the creation of large, cohort studies (eCohort). However, recent analysis indicates that an underrepresentation of minority and low income groups in these studies might exceed that found in traditional research [1-5]. In this report, we present findings from an experiment in research engagement using the Eureka Research Platform developed to enroll diverse populations in support of biomedical clinical research. This experiment involved the recruitment of African American and Latino participants in a smartphone based survey at a temporary, charitable, dental event sponsored, in part, by the research team, in order to explore the impact of setting and approach on recruitment outcomes. 211 participants enrolled including a significant representation of African Americans (51%) and Latinos (31%) and those with education levels at high school or less (37%). Interviews conducted after the study confirmed that our recruitment efforts within the context of a service event affected the decision to participate. While further research is necessary, this experiment holds promise for the engagement of underrepresented groups in research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan Racine Passmore
- Center for Health Equity, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
- Collaborative Center for Health Equity, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Erica Casper
- Center for Health Equity, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Jeffery E. Olgin
- School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Carol Maguire
- School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Gregory M. Marcus
- School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Mark J. Pletcher
- School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Stephen B. Thomas
- Center for Health Equity, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
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Thomas SB, Passmore SR, Jackson DN, Horowitz AM, Casper E, Nalls J, Kleinman DV. The 2014 Mid-Maryland Mission of Mercy Dental Clinic: Building Community Capacity and Complementing Public Policy. Am J Public Health 2019; 107:S74-S76. [PMID: 28661815 DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2017.303702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Stephen B Thomas
- Stephen B. Thomas and Susan R. Passmore are with the Department of Health Services Administration and the Center for Health Equity, University of Maryland, College Park. Devlon N. Jackson and Erica Casper are with the Center for Health Equity, University of Maryland. Alice M. Horowitz is with the Department of Behavioral and Community Health, University of Maryland. James Nalls is with Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington, Washington, DC. Dushanka V. Kleinman is with the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Maryland
| | - Susan R Passmore
- Stephen B. Thomas and Susan R. Passmore are with the Department of Health Services Administration and the Center for Health Equity, University of Maryland, College Park. Devlon N. Jackson and Erica Casper are with the Center for Health Equity, University of Maryland. Alice M. Horowitz is with the Department of Behavioral and Community Health, University of Maryland. James Nalls is with Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington, Washington, DC. Dushanka V. Kleinman is with the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Maryland
| | - Devlon N Jackson
- Stephen B. Thomas and Susan R. Passmore are with the Department of Health Services Administration and the Center for Health Equity, University of Maryland, College Park. Devlon N. Jackson and Erica Casper are with the Center for Health Equity, University of Maryland. Alice M. Horowitz is with the Department of Behavioral and Community Health, University of Maryland. James Nalls is with Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington, Washington, DC. Dushanka V. Kleinman is with the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Maryland
| | - Alice M Horowitz
- Stephen B. Thomas and Susan R. Passmore are with the Department of Health Services Administration and the Center for Health Equity, University of Maryland, College Park. Devlon N. Jackson and Erica Casper are with the Center for Health Equity, University of Maryland. Alice M. Horowitz is with the Department of Behavioral and Community Health, University of Maryland. James Nalls is with Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington, Washington, DC. Dushanka V. Kleinman is with the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Maryland
| | - Erica Casper
- Stephen B. Thomas and Susan R. Passmore are with the Department of Health Services Administration and the Center for Health Equity, University of Maryland, College Park. Devlon N. Jackson and Erica Casper are with the Center for Health Equity, University of Maryland. Alice M. Horowitz is with the Department of Behavioral and Community Health, University of Maryland. James Nalls is with Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington, Washington, DC. Dushanka V. Kleinman is with the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Maryland
| | - James Nalls
- Stephen B. Thomas and Susan R. Passmore are with the Department of Health Services Administration and the Center for Health Equity, University of Maryland, College Park. Devlon N. Jackson and Erica Casper are with the Center for Health Equity, University of Maryland. Alice M. Horowitz is with the Department of Behavioral and Community Health, University of Maryland. James Nalls is with Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington, Washington, DC. Dushanka V. Kleinman is with the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Maryland
| | - Dushanka V Kleinman
- Stephen B. Thomas and Susan R. Passmore are with the Department of Health Services Administration and the Center for Health Equity, University of Maryland, College Park. Devlon N. Jackson and Erica Casper are with the Center for Health Equity, University of Maryland. Alice M. Horowitz is with the Department of Behavioral and Community Health, University of Maryland. James Nalls is with Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington, Washington, DC. Dushanka V. Kleinman is with the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Maryland
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Butler J, Fryer CS, Garza MA, Quinn SC, Thomas SB. Commentary: Critical Race Theory Training to Eliminate Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities: The Public Health Critical Race Praxis Institute. Ethn Dis 2018; 28:279-284. [PMID: 30116099 DOI: 10.18865/ed.28.s1.279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Racism is a fundamental cause of racial and ethnic disparities in health outcomes. Researchers have a critical role to play in confronting racism by understanding it and intervening on its impact on the health and well-being of minority populations. This requires new paradigms and theoretical frameworks that are responsive to structural racism's present-day influence on health, health disparities, and research. To address the complexity with which racism influences both health and the production of knowledge about minority populations, the field must accelerate the professional development of researchers who are committed to eliminating racial and ethnic health disparities and achieving health equity. In this commentary, we describe a unique and vital training experience, the Public Health Critical Race Praxis Institute at the University of Maryland's Center for Health Equity. Through this training institute, we have focused on the experiential knowledge of diverse researchers committed to examining racism and trained them on putting racism at the forefront of their research agendas. The Institute brought together investigators from across the United States, including junior and senior faculty as well as postdoctoral fellows. The public health critical race methodology was purposefully used to structure the Institute's curriculum, which instructed the scholars on Critical Race Theory as a framework in research. During a 2.5-day training in February 2014, scholars participated in activities, attended presentations, joined in reflections, and interacted with Institute faculty. The scholars indicated a strong desire to focus on race and racism and adopt a Public Health Critical Race Praxis framework by utilizing Critical Race Theory in their research.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Butler
- Department of Behavioral and Community Health, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, College Park, MD.,Maryland Center for Health Equity, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, College Park, MD
| | - Craig S Fryer
- Department of Behavioral and Community Health, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, College Park, MD.,Maryland Center for Health Equity, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, College Park, MD
| | - Mary A Garza
- Department of Behavioral and Community Health, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, College Park, MD.,Maryland Center for Health Equity, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, College Park, MD
| | - Sandra C Quinn
- Maryland Center for Health Equity, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, College Park, MD.,Department of Family Science, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, College Park, MD
| | - Stephen B Thomas
- Maryland Center for Health Equity, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, College Park, MD.,Department of Health Services Administration, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, College Park, MD
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Jackson DN, Passmore S, Fryer CS, Chen J, Kleinman DV, Horowitz AM, Butler J, Garza MA, Quinn SC, Thomas SB. Mission of Mercy emergency dental clinics: an opportunity to promote general and oral health. BMC Public Health 2018; 18:878. [PMID: 30005660 PMCID: PMC6045818 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-018-5792-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2018] [Accepted: 07/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Mission of Mercy (MOM) emergency dental clinics are a resource for populations lacking access to dental care. We designed a MOM event incorporating health equity components with established community partners who shared a common vision of addressing the oral health, physical health, and social service needs of Maryland and Washington, DC area residents. Although studies have explored associations between oral and chronic health conditions, few studies to our knowledge have examined the relationship between these conditions and receipt of dental services. Therefore, this study explored these associations and the opportunity for better care coordination. Methods Oral health data from the 2014 Mid-Maryland Mission of Mercy and Health Equity Festival event was analyzed. A descriptive analysis assessed frequencies and percentages of participant sociodemographics characteristics, oral health and chronic disease risk(s), and dental services delivered. Chi-square tests and multivariate logistic regression were conducted to determine the associations between 1) oral health and chronic disease risk(s) and dental services; and 2) oral health and chronic disease risk(s) and participant characteristics. Results Approximately 66.2% (n = 666) of the 1007 participants had one or more chronic conditions and/or risk factors (diabetes, high blood pressure, and tobacco use). These individuals had a significantly higher likelihood of receiving an oral surgery procedure (specifically, tooth extraction) (only one condition/risk: OR = 2.40, 95%, CI = 1.48–3.90, p < .001; two conditions/risks: OR = 3.12, 95% CI = 1.78–5.46, p < .001). Conclusion The 2014 Mid-Maryland Mission of Mercy emergency dental clinic attracted people with risk factors for oral and chronic diseases. Those with one or more risk factors were more likely to receive oral surgery (specifically, tooth extraction). These findings strongly suggest that organizers of MOM emergency dental clinics include wrap-around primary care, health promotion and disease prevention services along with provision of dental services. While such events will not solve the general and oral health challenges of participants, we believe they provide an opportunity to provide basic preventive services. These findings also present an opportunity to inform planning for future MOMs and emphasize the importance of using these public health events to create linkages with other services to support follow-up and care coordination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devlon N Jackson
- Maryland Center for Health Equity, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, 4200 Valley Drive, College Park, MD, USA.
| | - Susan Passmore
- Maryland Center for Health Equity, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, 4200 Valley Drive, College Park, MD, USA.,Department of Health Services Administration, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, 4200 Valley Drive, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Craig S Fryer
- Maryland Center for Health Equity, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, 4200 Valley Drive, College Park, MD, USA.,Department of Behavioral and Community Health, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, 4200 Valley Drive, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Jie Chen
- Maryland Center for Health Equity, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, 4200 Valley Drive, College Park, MD, USA.,Department of Health Services Administration, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, 4200 Valley Drive, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Dushanka V Kleinman
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, 4200 Valley Drive, College Park, MD, USA.,Center for Health Literacy, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, 4200 Valley Drive, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Alice M Horowitz
- Department of Behavioral and Community Health, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, 4200 Valley Drive, College Park, MD, USA.,Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, 4200 Valley Drive, College Park, MD, USA
| | - James Butler
- Maryland Center for Health Equity, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, 4200 Valley Drive, College Park, MD, USA.,Department of Behavioral and Community Health, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, 4200 Valley Drive, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Mary A Garza
- Maryland Center for Health Equity, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, 4200 Valley Drive, College Park, MD, USA.,Department of Behavioral and Community Health, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, 4200 Valley Drive, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Sandra C Quinn
- Maryland Center for Health Equity, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, 4200 Valley Drive, College Park, MD, USA.,Department of Family Science, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, 4200 Valley Drive, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Stephen B Thomas
- Maryland Center for Health Equity, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, 4200 Valley Drive, College Park, MD, USA.,Department of Health Services Administration, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, 4200 Valley Drive, College Park, MD, USA
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Byars-Winston A, Womack VY, Butz AR, McGee R, Quinn SC, Utzerath E, Saetermoe CL, Thomas SB. Pilot Study of an Intervention to Increase Cultural Awareness in Research Mentoring: Implications for Diversifying the Scientific Workforce. J Clin Transl Sci 2018; 2:86-94. [PMID: 30338131 PMCID: PMC6191051 DOI: 10.1017/cts.2018.25] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2017] [Revised: 03/05/2018] [Accepted: 03/12/2018] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Innovative evidence-based-interventions are needed to equip research mentors with skills to address cultural diversity within research mentoring relationships. A pilot study assessed initial outcomes of a culturally tailored effort to create and disseminate a novel intervention titled Culturally Aware Mentoring (CAM) for research mentors. INTERVENTION Intervention development resulted in four products: a 6hr CAM training curriculum, a facilitator guide, an online pre-training module, and metrics to evaluate the effectiveness of CAM training. METHOD Participants were 64 research mentors from three US research-intensive universities. Quantitative pre and post-training evaluation survey data were collected. RESULTS Participants found high value and satisfaction with the CAM training, reported gains in personal cultural awareness and cultural skills, and increased intentions and confidence to address cultural diversity in their mentoring. CONCLUSIONS Study findings indicate that the CAM training holds promise to build research mentors' capacity and confidence to engage directly with racial/ethnic topics in research mentoring relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Byars-Winston
- Department of Medicine, Center for Women’s Health Research, University of Wisconsin – Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | | | - Amanda R. Butz
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Wisconsin – Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Richard McGee
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Sandra C. Quinn
- Department of Family Science, Maryland Center for Health Equity, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Emily Utzerath
- Institute for Clinical and Translational Research, University of Wisconsin – Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Carrie L. Saetermoe
- Department of Psychology, California State University, Northridge, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Stephen B. Thomas
- Health Services Administration, Maryland Center for Health Equity, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
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Chen J, Bloodworth R, Novak P, Cook BL, Goldman HH, Rendall MS, Thomas SB, Reynolds CF. Reducing Preventable Hospitalization and Disparity: Association With Local Health Department Mental Health Promotion Activities. Am J Prev Med 2018; 54:103-112. [PMID: 29254550 PMCID: PMC5807070 DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2017.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2017] [Revised: 09/19/2017] [Accepted: 10/12/2017] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Serving as the center of community-engaged health programs, local health departments can play a critical role in promoting community mental health. The objectives of this study were to explore the association between local health department activities and (1) preventable hospitalizations for individuals with mental disorders, and (2) associated racial disparities in preventable hospitalizations. METHOD Employing the linked data sets of the 2012-2013 Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project state inpatient discharge file of the State of Maryland, the National Association of County and City Health Officials Profiles Survey, the Area Resource File, and U.S. Census data, the authors estimated the association between local health department activities (i.e., provision of mental health preventive care and community mental health promotion) and the reduction of the preventable hospitalizations for ambulatory care-sensitive conditions and coexisting mental disorders. All the data analyses were conducted during September 2016-August 2017. RESULTS Multilevel regression showed that local health departments' provision of mental health preventive care (OR=0.76, 95% CI=0.63, 0.92) and mental health promotion activities (OR=0.77, 95% CI=0.62, 0.94) were significantly associated with lower rates of preventable hospitalizations for individuals with ambulatory care-sensitive conditions and coexisting mental disorders. Decomposition results suggested that local health departments' direct provision of mental health preventive care could reduce 9% of the racial disparities. CONCLUSIONS Improving care coordination and integration are essential to meeting the growing demands for healthcare access, while controlling costs and improving quality of service delivery. These results suggest that it will be effective to engage local health departments in the integrated behavioral health system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Chen
- Department of Health Services and Administration, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland.
| | - Robin Bloodworth
- Department of Health Services and Administration, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland
| | - Priscilla Novak
- Department of Health Services and Administration, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland
| | - Benjamin Le Cook
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge Health Alliance, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Howard H Goldman
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Michael S Rendall
- Department of Sociology, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland; Maryland Population Research Center, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland
| | - Stephen B Thomas
- Department of Health Services and Administration, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland; Maryland Population Research Center, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland; Maryland Center for Health Equity, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland
| | - Charles F Reynolds
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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Garza MA, Quinn SC, Li Y, Assini-Meytin L, Casper ET, Fryer CS, Butler J, Brown NA, Kim KH, Thomas SB. The Influence of Race and Ethnicity on Becoming a Human Subject: Factors Associated with Participation in Research. Contemp Clin Trials Commun 2017; 7:57-63. [PMID: 29226266 PMCID: PMC5716487 DOI: 10.1016/j.conctc.2017.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Inroduction The purpose of this study was to explore factors associated with willingness of African Americans and Latinos to participate in biomedical and public health research and to delineate factors that influence the decision to become a human subject. Methods We present results from a 2010 random digit-dial telephone survey of 2,455 African American (N = 1191) and Latino (N = 1264) adults. We used standard measures to assess knowledge of research, terminology, informed consent procedures, previous participation in research, health care experiences, social support, risk perception, religiousness, and trust. Results Over 60% of both African Americans and Latinos reported they believed people in medical research are pressured into participating. Over 50% said that it was not at all important to have someone of the same race/ethnicity ask them to participate. In a sub-sample of 322 African Americans and 190 Latinos who had previously been asked to participate in a research study, 63% of African Americans and 65% of Latinos consented to participate in a study. Finally, both African Americans (57%) and Latinos (68%) reported willingness to participate in future research. Overall, the multivariate analysis explained 29% of the variability in willingness to participate in future research. Conclusions Results suggest that African Americans and Latinos have no automatic predisposition to decline participation in research studies. These results can inform culturally tailored interventions for ethical recruitment of minorities into research and clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary A Garza
- Department of Behavioral and Community Health; Maryland Center for Health Equity, School of Public Health, University of Maryland College Park
| | - Sandra Crouse Quinn
- Department of Family Science; Maryland Center for Health Equity, School of Public Health, University of Maryland College Park
| | - Yan Li
- Joint Program in Survey Methodology & Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Maryland, College Park
| | - Luciana Assini-Meytin
- Department of Behavioral and Community Health; Maryland Center for Health Equity, School of Public Health, University of Maryland College Park
| | - Erica T Casper
- Maryland Center for Health Equity, School of Public Health, University of Maryland College Park
| | - Craig S Fryer
- Department of Behavioral and Community Health; Maryland Center for Health Equity, School of Public Health, University of Maryland College Park
| | - James Butler
- Department of Behavioral and Community Health; Maryland Center for Health Equity, School of Public Health, University of Maryland College Park
| | - Natasha A Brown
- Department of Behavioral and Community Health; Maryland Center for Health Equity, School of Public Health, University of Maryland College Park
| | - Kevin H Kim
- Department of Behavioral and Community Health; Maryland Center for Health Equity, School of Public Health, University of Maryland College Park
| | - Stephen B Thomas
- Department of Health Services Administration; Maryland Center for Health Equity, School of Public Health, University of Maryland College Park
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Abstract
African American women are more likely than other women to be diagnosed with breast cancer at a young age, to be diagnosed at a late stage, and to die from the disease. Yet we see evidence of irregular screening and follow-up. Previous research on psychosocial factors influencing decisions to screen reveals barriers: fear, fatalistic perceptions of cancer, inaccurate perceptions of risk, and associations with stigma. The current qualitative research with, largely, insured African American women ( n = 26), health navigators ( n = 6), and community stakeholders ( n = 24) indicates both positive and negative factors influencing decision making. The women in our sample believe in the value of early detection and are motivated to screen in response to encouragement from health providers. However, they also report several factors that contribute to their decisions to delay or not screen. These include (1) perceptions that the health community itself is confused about the need for screening, (2) perceptions that White women are the priority population for breast cancer, (3) family roles that prohibit self-care and encourage secrecy, and (4) fear of diagnosis. Participants report not feeling included in national-level health promotion campaigns. It is argued that African American women, in particular, may benefit from more nuanced health information about their risk.
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Welsch ME, Zhou J, Gao Y, Yan Y, Porter G, Agnihotri G, Li Y, Lu H, Chen Z, Thomas SB. Discovery of Potent and Selective Leads against Toxoplasma gondii Dihydrofolate Reductase via Structure-Based Design. ACS Med Chem Lett 2016; 7:1124-1129. [PMID: 27994750 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.6b00328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2016] [Accepted: 09/16/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Current treatment of toxoplasmosis targets the parasite's folate metabolism through inhibition of dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR). The most widely used DHFR antagonist, pyrimethamine, was introduced over 60 years ago and is associated with toxicity that can be largely attributed to a similar affinity for parasite and human DHFR. Computational analysis of biochemical differences between Toxoplasma gondii and human DHFR enabled the design of inhibitors with both improved potency and selectivity. The approach described herein yielded TRC-19, a promising lead with an IC50 of 9 nM and 89-fold selectivity in favor of Toxoplasma gondii DHFR, as well as crystallographic data to substantiate in silico methodology. Overall, 50% of synthesized in silico designs met hit threshold criteria of IC50 < 10 μM and >2-fold selectivity favoring Toxoplasma gondii, further demonstrating the efficiency of our structure-based drug design approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew E. Welsch
- Turing Pharmaceuticals AG, Research & Development, 1177 Avenue of the Americas, 39th Floor, New York, New York 10036, United States
| | - Jian Zhou
- WuXi AppTec, International Discovery Service Unit & Research Service Division, 288 Fute Zhong Road, Waigaoqiao Free Trade Zone, Shanghai 200131, China
| | - Yueqiang Gao
- WuXi AppTec, International Discovery Service Unit & Research Service Division, 288 Fute Zhong Road, Waigaoqiao Free Trade Zone, Shanghai 200131, China
| | - Yunqing Yan
- WuXi AppTec, International Discovery Service Unit & Research Service Division, 288 Fute Zhong Road, Waigaoqiao Free Trade Zone, Shanghai 200131, China
| | - Gene Porter
- WuXi AppTec, In Vitro Biology US, 107 Morgan Lane, Plainsborough, New Jersey 08536, United States
| | - Gautam Agnihotri
- WuXi AppTec, In Vitro Biology US, 107 Morgan Lane, Plainsborough, New Jersey 08536, United States
| | - Yingjie Li
- WuXi AppTec, International Discovery Service Unit & Research Service Division, 288 Fute Zhong Road, Waigaoqiao Free Trade Zone, Shanghai 200131, China
| | - Henry Lu
- WuXi AppTec, International Discovery Service Unit & Research Service Division, 288 Fute Zhong Road, Waigaoqiao Free Trade Zone, Shanghai 200131, China
| | - Zhongguo Chen
- WuXi AppTec, International Discovery Service Unit & Research Service Division, 288 Fute Zhong Road, Waigaoqiao Free Trade Zone, Shanghai 200131, China
| | - Stephen B. Thomas
- Turing Pharmaceuticals AG, Research & Development, 1177 Avenue of the Americas, 39th Floor, New York, New York 10036, United States
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Abstract
Much of the research and material published on the extended school year (ESY) to date has failed to provide comprehensive and accurate information on determining eligibility and the need for ESY services for children with disabilities. Eligibility for ESY can be based on several criteria, including individual need, nature and severity of the disability, educational benefit, regression and recoupment, self-sufficiency and independence, and failing to meet short-term goals and objectives. An examination of the ESY case law history reveals that it is difficult to determine “judicially manageable standards” for the various categories of eligibility. Therefore, decisions regarding ESY are based on an assimilation of criteria, particularly when considering ESY for children with severe disabilities. This article provides a thorough (exhaustive) review of the legal issues, including statutory and case law, and practical guidelines that will assist educators in their efforts to comply with federal statutes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Jane K. Rapport
- Department of Educational Psychology and Leadership Studies Kent State University
| | - Stephen B. Thomas
- Department of Educational Psychology and Leadership Studies Kent State University
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Thomas SB, Duncan DF, Gold RS. Roll Call Voting Behavior of the U.S. Senate on Selected Health Legislation 1973–1982: Implications for Health Education. Am J Health Promot 2016; 2:22-36. [DOI: 10.4278/0890-1171-2.2.22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Thomas SB, Benjamin GC, Almario D, Lathan MJ. Historical and Current Policy Efforts to Eliminate Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities in the United States: Future Opportunities for Public Health Education Research. Health Promot Pract 2016; 7:324-30. [PMID: 16760236 DOI: 10.1177/1524839906289379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
In the summer of 2005, the Society for Public Health Education convened a meeting, Health Disparities and Social Inequities, with the task of setting the minority health disparities research agenda for public health educators. The article provides a history of minority health efforts beginning with the Negro Health Improvement Week in 1915 and an overview of National Institutes of Health’s (NIH) current 5-year strategic research plan to eliminate health disparities. The plan’s goals represent a significant investment in minority health research and the emergence of NIH as the leading federal agency funding health disparity research. Understanding the history of minority health efforts and current health disparity research offers a perspective that will help guide public health educators in reaching the Healthy People 2010 goal of eliminating racial and ethnic health disparities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen B Thomas
- Center for Minority Health in the Graduate School of Public Health at the University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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Passmore SR, Fryer CS, Butler J, Garza MA, Thomas SB, Quinn SC. Building a "Deep Fund of Good Will": Reframing Research Engagement. J Health Care Poor Underserved 2016; 27:722-40. [PMID: 27180705 DOI: 10.1353/hpu.2016.0070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The engagement of underrepresented populations in health research has been an ongoing challenge. Yet, the participation of these groups is recognized as key to health equity. METHODS Semi-structured interviews with 31 experienced investigators successful in the recruitment of underrepresented minorities were analyzed with reference to the concept of social capital to determine: 1) if it is actually in use by successful researchers although yet unidentified as such; and 2) if the rubric could shed light on new directions especially for those who find it difficult to implement community-engaged recruitment methods systematically. RESULTS Findings indicate that some elements of the concept of social capital are being used successfully, but that there are also substantial barriers to its full implementation. CONCLUSION A lack of enforceable trust and associated institutional support for researchers is a detriment to research engagement. Efforts to remedy this would benefit large research projects, including clinical trials.
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Fryer CS, Passmore SR, Maietta RC, Petruzzelli J, Casper E, Brown NA, Butler J, Garza MA, Thomas SB, Quinn SC. The Symbolic Value and Limitations of Racial Concordance in Minority Research Engagement. Qual Health Res 2016; 26:830-41. [PMID: 25769299 PMCID: PMC4658313 DOI: 10.1177/1049732315575708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
The well-documented underrepresentation of racial and ethnic minorities in research demands action. The field of health disparities research, however, lacks scientific consensus about how best to respectfully recruit underrepresented minority populations in research. We explore the investigators' perspective regarding how their own racial and ethnic background influenced their ability to recruit minorities, including (a) the influence of racial concordance ("race-matching") in research recruitment, (b) attributes and shared values important in the development of trust with minority communities, and (c) the role self-reflection plays in the development of meaningful research relationships. In 2010, we conducted in-depth, semi-structured, telephone interviews with investigators (N= 31) experienced with minority populations. Through the analysis of this coherent narrative, we uncovered both the symbolic and surface-level assumptions regarding minority recruitment to expose a deep structural understanding of race, ethnicity, and social context that is critical for bridging the true social difference between researchers and participants.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Erica Casper
- University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA
| | - Natasha A Brown
- University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, North Carolina, USA
| | - James Butler
- University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA
| | - Mary A Garza
- University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA
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Abstract
Designing culturally sensitive personalized interventions is essential to sustain patients' involvement in their treatment and encourage patients to take an active role in their own health and health care. We consider patient activation and empowerment as a cyclical process defined through patient accumulation of knowledge, confidence, and self-determination for their own health and health care. We propose a patient-centered, multilevel activation and empowerment framework (individual-, health care professional-, community-, and health care delivery system-level) to inform the development of culturally informed personalized patient activation and empowerment (P-PAE) interventions to improve population health and reduce racial and ethnic disparities. We discuss relevant Affordable Care Act payment and delivery policy reforms and how they affect patient activation and empowerment. Such policies include Accountable Care Organizations and value-based purchasing, patient-centered medical homes, and the community health benefit. Challenges and possible solutions to implementing the P-PAE are discussed. Comprehensive and longitudinal data sets with consistent P-PAE measures are needed to conduct comparative effectiveness analyses to evaluate the optimal P-PAE model. We believe the P-PAE model is timely and sustainable and will be critical to engaging patients in their treatment, developing patients' abilities to manage their health, helping patients express concerns and preferences regarding treatment, empowering patients to ask questions about treatment options, and building up strategic patient-provider partnerships through shared decision making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Chen
- University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Chae DH, Epel ES, Nuru-Jeter AM, Lincoln KD, Taylor RJ, Lin J, Blackburn EH, Thomas SB. Discrimination, mental health, and leukocyte telomere length among African American men. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2016; 63:10-6. [PMID: 26398001 PMCID: PMC5407686 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2015.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2015] [Revised: 09/02/2015] [Accepted: 09/02/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
African American men in the US experience disparities across multiple health outcomes. A common mechanism underlying premature declines in health may be accelerated biological aging, as reflected by leukocyte telomere length (LTL). Racial discrimination, a qualitatively unique source of social stress reported by African American men, in tandem with poor mental health, may negatively impact LTL in this population. The current study examined cross-sectional associations between LTL, self-reported racial discrimination, and symptoms of depression and anxiety among 92 African American men 30-50 years of age. LTL was measured in kilobase pairs using quantitative polymerase chain reaction assay. Controlling for sociodemographic factors, greater anxiety symptoms were associated with shorter LTL (b=-0.029, standard error [SE]=0.014; p<0.05). There were no main effects of racial discrimination or depressive symptoms on LTL, but we found evidence for a significant interaction between the two (b=0.011, SE=0.005; p<0.05). Racial discrimination was associated with shorter LTL among those with lower levels of depressive symptoms. Findings from this study highlight the role of social stressors and individual-level psychological factors for physiologic deterioration among African American men. Consistent with research on other populations, greater anxiety may reflect elevated stress associated with shorter LTL. Racial discrimination may represent an additional source of social stress among African American men that has detrimental consequences for cellular aging among those with lower levels of depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- David H. Chae
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Maryland at College Park, School of Public Health, 2234 School of Public Health, College Park, Maryland 20742, USA.,Corresponding author at Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Maryland at College Park, School of Public Health, 2234 School of Public Health, College Park, Maryland 20742, USA. Tel.: +1 301 405 6425; fax: +1 301 405 3575;
| | - Elissa S. Epel
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, School of Medicine, 3333 California Street, San Francisco, California 94143, USA
| | - Amani M. Nuru-Jeter
- Divisions of Epidemiology and Community Health and Human Development, University of California, Berkeley, School of Public Health, 50 University Hall, Berkeley, California 94720, USA
| | - Karen D. Lincoln
- University of Southern California, School of Social Work, 669 West 34th Street, Los Angeles, California 90089, USA
| | - Robert Joseph Taylor
- University of Michigan, School of Social Work, 1080 South University, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
| | - Jue Lin
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, School of Medicine, 600 16th Street, San Francisco, California 94158, USA
| | - Elizabeth H. Blackburn
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, School of Medicine, 600 16th Street, San Francisco, California 94158, USA
| | - Stephen B. Thomas
- Department of Health Services Administration, University of Maryland at College Park, School of Public Health, 2234 School of Public Health, College Park, Maryland 20742, USA
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Jimenez DE, Begley A, Bartels SJ, Alegría M, Thomas SB, Quinn SC, Reynolds CF. Improving health-related quality of life in older African American and non-Latino White patients. Am J Geriatr Psychiatry 2015; 23:548-58. [PMID: 25171889 PMCID: PMC4320681 DOI: 10.1016/j.jagp.2014.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2014] [Revised: 07/22/2014] [Accepted: 08/01/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To compare the effect of problem-solving therapy against a health-promotion intervention (dietary practices) on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and examine if there is a differential effect on non-Latino white patients and African American patients between the two interventions. This paper also explores participant characteristics (problem-solving style and physical functioning) as potential predictors of HRQOL. METHODS Secondary analysis of data from a randomized depression prevention trial involving 247 older adults (154 non-Latino white, 90 African American, 3 Asian). Participants were randomly assigned to receive either problem solving therapy for primary care (PST-PC) or coaching in healthy dietary practices (DIET). RESULTS Both PST-PC and DIET improved HRQOL over two years and did not differ significantly from each other. African American patients in both conditions had greater improvements in mental health-related quality of life (MHRQOL) compared with non-Latino white patients. In addition, higher social problem-solving and physical functioning were predictive of improved MHRQOL. CONCLUSION PST-PC and DIET have the potential to improve health-related quality of life in a culturally relevant manner. Both hold promise as effective and potentially scalable interventions that could be generalized to highly disadvantaged populations in which little attention to HRQOL has been paid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel E Jimenez
- University of Miami Center on Aging, Miami, FL; Dartmouth Centers for Health and Aging, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH.
| | - Amy Begley
- NIMH Center for Late Life Depression Prevention and Treatment, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and Graduate School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Stephen J Bartels
- Dartmouth Centers for Health and Aging, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH
| | - Margarita Alegría
- Center for Multicultural Mental Health Research, Cambridge Health Alliance, Somerville, MA
| | - Stephen B Thomas
- Center for Health Equity, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, College Park, MD
| | - Sandra C Quinn
- Center for Health Equity, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, College Park, MD
| | - Charles F Reynolds
- NIMH Center for Late Life Depression Prevention and Treatment, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and Graduate School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, PA
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Dagher RK, Chen J, Thomas SB. Gender Differences in Mental Health Outcomes before, during, and after the Great Recession. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0124103. [PMID: 25970634 PMCID: PMC4430539 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0124103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2014] [Accepted: 02/25/2015] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
We examined gender differences in mental health outcomes during and post-recession versus pre-recession. We utilized 2005-2006, 2008-2009, and 2010-2011 data from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey. Females had lower odds of depression diagnoses during and post-recession and better mental health during the recession, but higher odds of anxiety diagnoses post-recession. Males had lower odds of depression diagnoses and better mental health during and post-recession and lower Kessler 6 scores post-recession. We conducted stratified analyses, which confirmed that the aforementioned findings were consistent across the four different regions of the U.S., by employment status, income and health care utilization. Importantly, we found that the higher odds of anxiety diagnoses among females after the recession were mainly prominent among specific subgroups of females: those who lived in the Northeast or the Midwest, the unemployed, and those with low household income. Gender differences in mental health in association with the economic recession highlight the importance of policymakers taking these differences into consideration when designing economic and social policies to address economic downturns. Future research should examine the reasons behind the decreased depression diagnoses among both genders, and whether they signify decreased mental healthcare utilization or increased social support and more time for exercise and leisure activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rada K. Dagher
- Department of Health Services Administration, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Jie Chen
- Department of Health Services Administration, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Stephen B. Thomas
- Department of Health Services Administration, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, United States of America
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Pfund
- Director, Mentor Training Core, National Research Mentoring Network, and associate director, Institute for Clinical and Translational Research, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Public Health, and researcher, Wisconsin Center for Education Research, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin; . Associate director, Administrative Core, National Research Mentoring Network, and senior associate executive director, Institute for Clinical and Translational Research, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin. Associate professor, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Public Health, and director of research and evaluation, UW Center for Women's Health Research, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin. Associate director, Mentor Training Core, National Research Mentoring Network, and professor, Health Services Administration, and director, University of Maryland Center for Health Equity, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland
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Thomas SB, Hodges BC. Assessing AIDS Knowledge, Attitudes, and Risk Behaviors Among Black and Hispanic Homosexual and Bisexual Men: Results of a Feasibility Study. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015. [DOI: 10.1080/01614576.1991.11074013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Jepsen TH, Thomas SB, Lin Y, Stathakis CI, de Miguel I, Snyder SA. Harnessing quinone methides: total synthesis of (±)-vaticanol A. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2014; 53:6747-51. [PMID: 24841889 PMCID: PMC4106016 DOI: 10.1002/anie.201402858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2014] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Although quinone methides are often postulated as intermediates in the biosynthesis of many polyphenolic natural products, deploying their power in a laboratory setting to achieve similar bond constructions has sometimes proven challenging. Herein, a total synthesis of the resveratrol trimer vaticanol A has been achieved through three instances of quinone methide chemistry. These operations, one of which succeeded only under very specific conditions, expediently generated its [7,5]-carbocyclic core, afforded a unique sequence for dihydrobenzofuran formation, and concurrently generated, in addition to the target molecule, a series of diastereomers reflective of many other isolates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tue H. Jepsen
- Dept. of Chemistry, Columbia University, 3000 Broadway, New York, NY 10027
| | - Stephen B. Thomas
- Dept. of Chemistry, Columbia University, 3000 Broadway, New York, NY 10027
| | - Yunqing Lin
- Dept. of Chemistry, Columbia University, 3000 Broadway, New York, NY 10027
| | | | - Irene de Miguel
- Dept. of Chemistry, Columbia University, 3000 Broadway, New York, NY 10027
| | - Scott A. Snyder
- Dept. of Chemistry, Columbia University, 3000 Broadway, New York, NY 10027
- Dept. of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, FL 33458
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Abstract
More research is needed to identify factors that explain why minority cancer survivors ages 18 to 64 are more likely to delay or forgo care when compared with whites. Data were merged from the 2000-2011 National Health Interview Survey to identify 12 125 adult survivors who delayed medical care. The Fairlie decomposition technique was applied to explore contributing factors that explain the differences. Compared with whites, Hispanics were more likely to delay care because of organizational barriers (odds ratio = 1.38; P < .05), and African Americans were more likely to delay medical care or treatment because of transportation barriers (odds ratio = 1.54; P < .001). The predicted probability of not receiving timely care because of each barrier was lowest among minorities. Age, insurance, perceived health, comorbidity, nativity, and year were significant factors that contributed to the disparities. Although expanded insurance coverage through the Affordable Care Act is expected to increase access, organizational factors and transportation play a major role.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jie Chen
- University of Maryland, College Park, MD
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Reynolds CF, Thomas SB, Morse JQ, Anderson SJ, Albert S, Dew MA, Begley A, Karp JF, Gildengers A, Butters MA, Stack JA, Kasckow J, Miller MD, Quinn SC. Early intervention to preempt major depression among older black and white adults. Psychiatr Serv 2014; 65:765-73. [PMID: 24632760 PMCID: PMC4050338 DOI: 10.1176/appi.ps.201300216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The study objective was to assess the efficacy of problem-solving therapy for primary care (PST-PC) for preventing episodes of major depression and mitigating depressive symptoms of older black and white adults. The comparison group received dietary coaching. METHODS A total of 247 participants (90 blacks, 154 whites, and three Asians) with subsyndromal depressive symptoms were recruited into a randomized depression prevention trial that compared effects of individually delivered PST-PC and dietary coaching on time to major depressive episode and level of depressive symptoms (Beck Depression Inventory) over two years. Cumulative intervention time averaged 5.5-6.0 hours in each study arm. RESULTS The two groups did not differ significantly in time to major depressive episodes, and incidence of such episodes was low (blacks, N=8, 9%; whites, N=13, 8%), compared with published rates of 20%-25% over one year among persons with subsyndromal symptoms and receiving care as usual. Participants also showed a mean decrease of 4 points in depressive symptoms, sustained over two years. Despite greater burden of depression risk factors among blacks, no significant differences from whites were found in the primary outcome. CONCLUSIONS Both PST-PC and dietary coaching are potentially effective in protecting older black and white adults with subsyndromal depressive symptoms from developing episodes of major depression over two years. Absent a control for concurrent usual care, this conclusion is preliminary. If confirmed, both interventions hold promise as scalable, safe, nonstigmatizing interventions for delaying or preventing episodes of major depression in the nation's increasingly diverse older population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles F. Reynolds
- University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine, Psychiatry, 3811 O’Hara Street, BT 758, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15213
| | | | - Jennifer Q. Morse
- Western Psychiatric Institute & Clinic - Psychiatry, 3811 O’Hara St. Personality Studies, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213
| | - Stewart J. Anderson
- University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health - Department of Biostatistics, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Steven Albert
- University of Pittsburgh - Behavioral & Community Health Science, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261
| | - Mary Amanda Dew
- University of Pittsburgh - Psychiatry, 3811 O’Hara Street, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213
| | - Amy Begley
- Western Psychiatric Institute & Clinic - Psychiatry, 3811 O’Hara St. Personality Studies, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213
| | - Jordan F. Karp
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine - Psychiatry, Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic 3811 O’Hara Street, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213
| | - Ariel Gildengers
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine - Dept of Psychiatry, 3811 O’Hara Street, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213
| | - Meryl A. Butters
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center - Geriatric Psychiatry, 3811 O’Hara St. Rm. E-462 WPIC, Pittsburgh 15213
| | | | - John Kasckow
- VA Pittsburgh Health Care System - Behavioral Health, 7180 Highland Dr, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15206. University of Pittsburgh Medical Center - Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinics, 3811 O’Hara St, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213
| | - Mark D. Miller
- University of Pittsburgh, Shcool of Medicine - Psychiatry, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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Jepsen TH, Thomas SB, Lin Y, Stathakis CI, de Miguel I, Snyder SA. Harnessing Quinone Methides: Total Synthesis of (±)-Vaticanol A. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2014. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.201402858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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King CJ, Chen J, Garza MA, Thomas SB. Breast and cervical screening by race/ethnicity: comparative analyses before and during the Great Recession. Am J Prev Med 2014; 46:359-67. [PMID: 24650838 PMCID: PMC4204655 DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2013.11.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2013] [Revised: 11/07/2013] [Accepted: 11/07/2013] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Traditionally, economic recessions have resulted in decreased utilization of preventive health services. PURPOSE To explore racial and ethnic differences in breast and cervical cancer screening rates before and during the Great Recession. METHODS The Medical Expenditure Panel was the source for identifying 10,894 women, ages 50-74 for breast screening and 19,957 women, ages 21-65 for cervical screening. Survey years included 2004-2005 and 2009-2010. Dependent variables were as follows: 1) receipt of mammogram within the past 2 years; and 2) receipt of a Pap smear within the past 3 years. The interaction of the recession and the likelihood of screening between whites and minorities was analyzed. Multivariate regressions were applied to estimate the likelihood of screening for the two time periods while controlling for a recession variable. RESULTS Nationally, breast and cervical cancer screening rates dropped during the recession period; white women contributed most to the decline. However, there were significant improvements in timely screening for both cancers among Hispanics during the recession period. After controlling for the recession, African American women were more likely to have timely screenings compared to white women. Screening rates during the recession were lowest in the South, Midwest and West. CONCLUSION There was a national reduction in the percentages of women who obtained timely breast and cervical screenings during the Great Recession. Outreach efforts are needed to ensure that women who were not screened during the recession are screened. Widespread education about the Affordable Care Act may be helpful.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J King
- Department of Health Services Administration, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland.
| | - Jie Chen
- Department of Health Services Administration, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland
| | - Mary A Garza
- Department of Behavioral and Community Health, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland
| | - Stephen B Thomas
- Department of Health Services Administration, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland; Maryland Center for Health Equity, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland
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Beohar N, Sansing VV, Davis AM, Srinivas VS, Helmy T, Althouse AD, Thomas SB, Brooks MM. Race/ethnic disparities in risk factor control and survival in the bypass angioplasty revascularization investigation 2 diabetes (BARI 2D) trial. Am J Cardiol 2013; 112:1298-305. [PMID: 23910429 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjcard.2013.05.071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2013] [Revised: 05/31/2013] [Accepted: 05/31/2013] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
This study sought to evaluate the impact of race/ethnicity on cardiovascular risk factor control and on clinical outcomes in a setting of comparable access to medical care. The BARI 2D trial enrolled 1,750 participants from the United States and Canada that self-reported either White non-Hispanic (n = 1,189), Black non-Hispanic (n = 349), or Hispanic (n = 212) race/ethnicity. Participants had type 2 diabetes and coronary artery disease and were randomized to cardiac and glycemic treatment strategies. All patients received intensive target-based medical treatment for cardiac risk factors. Average follow-up was 5.3 years. Kaplan-Meier survival curves and Cox proportional hazards regression models were constructed to assess potential differences in mortality and cardiovascular outcomes across racial/ethnic groups. Long-term risk of death and death/myocardial infarction/stroke did not vary significantly by race/ethnicity (5-year death: 11.0% Whites, 13.7% Blacks, 8.7% Hispanics, p = 0.19; adjusted hazard ratio 1.18 Black versus White, 95% confidence interval 0.84 to 1.67, p = 0.33 and 0.82 Hispanic versus White, 95% confidence interval 0.51 to 1.34, p = 0.43). Among the 1,168 patients with suboptimal risk factor control at baseline, the ability to attain better risk factor control during the trial was associated with higher 5-year survival (71%, 86% and 95% for patients with 0 or 1, 2, and 3 factors in control, respectively, p <0.001); this pattern was observed within each race/ethnic group. In conclusion, significant race/ethnic differences in cardiac risk profiles that persisted during follow-up did not translate into significant differences in 5-year death or death/MI/stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nirat Beohar
- Division of Cardiology, Columbia University, Mount Sinai Medical Center, Miami Beach, Florida
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Chen J, Vargas-Bustamante A, Mortensen K, Thomas SB. Using quantile regression to examine health care expenditures during the Great Recession. Health Serv Res 2013; 49:705-30. [PMID: 24134797 DOI: 10.1111/1475-6773.12113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/14/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the association between the Great Recession of 2007-2009 and health care expenditures along the health care spending distribution, with a focus on racial/ethnic disparities. DATA SOURCES/STUDY SETTING Secondary data analyses of the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (2005-2006 and 2008-2009). STUDY DESIGN Quantile multivariate regressions are employed to measure the different associations between the economic recession of 2007-2009 and health care spending. Race/ethnicity and interaction terms between race/ethnicity and a recession indicator are controlled to examine whether minorities encountered disproportionately lower health spending during the economic recession. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS The Great Recession was significantly associated with reductions in health care expenditures at the 10th-50th percentiles of the distribution, but not at the 75th-90th percentiles. Racial and ethnic disparities were more substantial at the lower end of the health expenditure distribution; however, on average the reduction in expenditures was similar for all race/ethnic groups. The Great Recession was also positively associated with spending on emergency department visits. CONCLUSION This study shows that the relationship between the Great Recession and health care spending varied along the health expenditure distribution. More variability was observed in the lower end of the health spending distribution compared to the higher end.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Chen
- Department of Health Services Administration, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, College Park, College Park, MD
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Quinn SC, Kass NE, Thomas SB. Building trust for engagement of minorities in human subjects research: is the glass half full, half empty, or the wrong size? Am J Public Health 2013; 103:2119-21. [PMID: 24134371 DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2013.301685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sandra C Quinn
- Sandra C. Quinn is with the Maryland Center for Health Equity and Department of Family Science, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, College Park. Nancy E. Kass is with the Berman Institute of Bioethics and Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD. Stephen B. Thomas is with the Maryland Center for Health Equity and the Department of Health Services Administration, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, College Park
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Quinn SC, Garza MA, Butler J, Fryer CS, Casper ET, Thomas SB, Barnard D, Kim KH. Improving informed consent with minority participants: results from researcher and community surveys. J Empir Res Hum Res Ethics 2013; 7:44-55. [PMID: 23324203 DOI: 10.1525/jer.2012.7.5.44] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Strengthening the informed consent process is one avenue for improving recruitment of minorities into research. This study examines that process from two different perspectives, that of researchers and that of African American and Latino community members. Through the use of two separate surveys, we compared strategies used by researchers with the preferences and attitudes of community members during the informed consent process. Our data suggest that researchers can improve the informed consent process by incorporating methods preferred by the community members along with methods shown in the literature for increasing comprehension. With this approach, the informed consent process may increase both participants' comprehension of the material and overall satisfaction, fostering greater trust in research and openness to future research opportunities.
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Butler J, Quinn SC, Fryer CS, Garza MA, Kim KH, Thomas SB. Characterizing researchers by strategies used for retaining minority participants: results of a national survey. Contemp Clin Trials 2013; 36:61-7. [PMID: 23764697 DOI: 10.1016/j.cct.2013.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2013] [Revised: 05/27/2013] [Accepted: 05/29/2013] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Limited attention has been given to the optimal strategies for retaining racial and ethnic minorities within studies and during the follow-up period. High attrition limits the interpretation of results and reduces the ability to translate findings into successful interventions. This study examined the retention strategies used by researchers when retaining minorities in research studies. From May to August 2010, we conducted an online survey with researchers (principal investigators, research staff, and IRB members) and examined their use of seven commonly used retention strategies. The number and type of retention strategies used, how these strategies differ by researcher type, and other characteristics (e.g., funding) were explored. We identified three clusters of researchers: comprehensive retention strategy researchers - utilized the greatest number of retention strategies; moderate retention strategy researchers - utilized an average number of retention strategies; and limited retention strategy researchers - utilized the least number of retention strategies. The comprehensive and moderate retention strategy researchers were more likely than the limited retention strategy researchers to conduct health outcomes research, work with a community advisory board, hire minority staff, use steps at a higher rate to overcome retention barriers, develop new partnerships with the minority community, modify study materials for the minority population, and allow staff to work flexible schedules. This study is a novel effort to characterize researchers, without implying a value judgment, according to their use of specific retention strategies. It provides critical information for conducting future research to determine the effectiveness of using a combination of retention strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Butler
- University of Maryland, School of Public Health, Maryland Center for Health Equity and Department of Behavioral and Community Health, College Park, MD 20742, USA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen B. Thomas
- a The Department of Health Education , The University of Maryland , College Park , MD , 20742 , USA
| | - Sandra Crouse Quinn
- b The Minority Health Research Laboratory , The University of Maryland , USA
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen B. Thomas
- a Minority Health Research Lab , University of Maryland , College Park , MD , 20742 , USA
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Quinn SC, Butler J, Fryer CS, Garza MA, Kim KH, Ryan C, Thomas SB. Attributes of researchers and their strategies to recruit minority populations: results of a national survey. Contemp Clin Trials 2012; 33:1231-7. [PMID: 22771575 DOI: 10.1016/j.cct.2012.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2012] [Revised: 06/19/2012] [Accepted: 06/25/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Despite NIH mandates for inclusion, recruiting minorities is challenging for biomedical and public health researchers. Little is known about how attributes of researchers affect their choice of recruitment strategies. The purpose of this study was to address this gap by examining how use of recruitment strategies relates to other researcher characteristics. To do this, we conducted an online survey from May to August 2010 with researchers (principal investigators, research staff, and IRB members) in which we measured the number and types of recruitment strategies utilized, along with other characteristics of the researchers and their research. We identified two clusters of researchers: comprehensive researchers who utilized a greater number and more diverse and active recruitment strategies, and traditional researchers, who utilized fewer and more passive strategies. Additional characteristics that distinguished the two groups were that comprehensive researchers were more likely than traditional researchers to 1) report racial and ethnic differences as one of their specific aims or hypotheses, 2) receive federal (CDC and NIH) funding, 3) conduct behavioral or epidemiological research, and 4) have received training in conducting research with and recruiting minorities. Traditional researchers, on the other hand, were more likely to conduct clinical research and a greater (though non-significant) percentage received funding from pharmaceutical sources. This study provides a novel description of how researcher attributes are related to their recruitment strategies and raises a number of future research questions to further examine the implications of this relationship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Crouse Quinn
- University of Maryland, School of Public Health, Maryland Center for Health Equity and Department of Family Science, College Park, MD 20742, USA.
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Grim P, Thomas SB, Fisher S, Reade C, Singer DJ, Garza MA, Fryer CS, Chatman J. Polarization and Belief Dynamics in the Black and White Communities: An Agent-Based Network Model from the Data. Artif Life 2012; 13:186-193. [PMID: 25298731 PMCID: PMC4186741 DOI: 10.7551/978-0-262-31050-5-ch026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Public health care interventions-regarding vaccination, obesity, and HIV, for example-standardly take the form of information dissemination across a community. But information networks can vary importantly between different ethnic communities, as can levels of trust in information from different sources. We use data from the Greater Pittsburgh Random Household Health Survey to construct models of information networks for White and Black communities--models which reflect the degree of information contact between individuals, with degrees of trust in information from various sources correlated with positions in that social network. With simple assumptions regarding belief change and social reinforcement, we use those modeled networks to build dynamic agent-based models of how information can be expected to flow and how beliefs can be expected to change across each community. With contrasting information from governmental and religious sources, the results show importantly different dynamic patterns of belief polarization within the two communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Grim
- Group for Logic & Formal Semantics, Philosophy, Stony Brook University
- Center for Study of Complex Systems, University of Michigan
| | - Stephen B. Thomas
- Maryland Center for Health Equity, School of Public Health, Univ. of Maryland
- Department of Health Services Administration, School of Public Health, University of Maryland
| | - Steven Fisher
- Center for Study of Complex Systems, University of Michigan
| | | | | | - Mary A. Garza
- Maryland Center for Health Equity, School of Public Health, Univ. of Maryland
- Department of Behavioral and Community Health, School of Public Health, University of Maryland
| | - Craig S. Fryer
- Maryland Center for Health Equity, School of Public Health, Univ. of Maryland
- Department of Behavioral and Community Health, School of Public Health, University of Maryland
| | - Jamie Chatman
- Department of Biostatistics, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh
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Snyder SA, Thomas SB, Mayer AC, Breazzano SP. Total syntheses of hopeanol and hopeahainol A empowered by a chiral Brønsted acid induced pinacol rearrangement. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2012; 51:4080-4. [PMID: 22431237 PMCID: PMC3744884 DOI: 10.1002/anie.201107730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2011] [Revised: 02/15/2012] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Scott A Snyder
- Dept. of Chemistry, Columbia University, Havemeyer Hall, 3000 Broadway, New York, NY 10027, USA.
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