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Thompson T, Coats J, Croston M, Motley RO, Thompson VS, James AS, Johnson LP. "We need a little strength as well": Examining the social context of informal caregivers for Black women with breast cancer. Soc Sci Med 2024; 342:116528. [PMID: 38215642 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2023.116528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Informal caregivers (e.g., partners, other family members, friends) often provide social support to Black women with breast cancer, and caregivers find both benefits and challenges in their caregiving role. METHODS In this qualitative study, twenty-four caregivers for Black women with breast cancer participated in focus groups and interviews. Participants responded to a brief close-ended questionnaire as well as semi-structured questions about their experiences as cancer caregivers. Demographic information was collected, and relationship satisfaction was measured by the Relationship Assessment Scale-General scale (RAS-G). Focus groups and interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and coded by two independent coders. Using an iterative, discussion-based process, the study team developed and refined themes. RESULTS All caregivers described themselves as Black/African American, and the majority identified as female (79%). The mean RAS-G score was 4.5 (SD = 0.5), indicating high levels of relationship satisfaction. Qualitative themes included using a range of strategies to provide emotional support; shifting between roles; needing time and space; and trying to stay strong. Several female caregivers described how the cumulative experiences of providing care for multiple family members and friends could be draining, as could their own experiences in the patient role. CONCLUSIONS These findings show a complex, multilayered social context that affects both the patient-caregiver relationship and the health and wellbeing of caregivers. Clinicians providing treatment and support for Black women with breast cancer should be mindful of how the health context of the family may affect patient and caregiver outcomes.
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Shato T, Humble S, Anandarajah A, Barnette A, Brandt HM, Garbutt J, Klesges L, Thompson VS, Silver MI. Influences of sociodemographic characteristics and parental HPV vaccination hesitancy on HPV vaccination coverage in five US states. Vaccine 2023:S0264-410X(23)00517-0. [PMID: 37198022 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2023.04.082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [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: 09/17/2022] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the United States (US), half of new human papillomavirus (HPV) infections occur among young people aged 15-24 years. Despite the effectiveness of HPV vaccination in protecting against HPV-associated cancers, its coverage among adolescents remains suboptimal. This study examined the association of sociodemographic characteristics and HPV vaccination hesitancy with HPV vaccination coverage in five US states with disproportionately low adolescent coverage rates compared to the national average. METHODS Responses to an online Qualtrics survey from 926 parents of children aged 9-17 years in Arkansas, Mississippi, Missouri, Tennessee, and Southern Illinois in July 2021 were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression to estimate the association of sociodemographic characteristics and HPV vaccination hesitancy with HPV vaccination coverage. RESULTS Of the parents, 78 % were female, 76 % were non-Hispanic White, 61.9 % lived in rural areas, 22 % were classified as HPV vaccine hesitant, and 42 % had vaccinated their oldest child between the ages of 9-17 years against HPV. Children of vaccine hesitant parents were less likely to have received any doses of the HPV vaccine than children of non-vaccine hesitant parents (AOR: 0.17, 95 % CI:0.11-0.27). Male children were less likely to have initiated the HPV vaccine series than female children (AOR: 0.70, 95 % CI:0.50-0.97). Older children (13-17 vs 9-12 years), receiving the meningococcal conjugate or most recent seasonal influenza vaccine were all associated with higher likelihoods of receiving any doses of the HPV vaccine (AOR: 6.01, 95 % CI:3.98-9.08; AOR: 2.24, 95 % CI:1.27-3.95; AOR: 2.41, 95 % CI:1.73-3.36, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Adolescent HPV vaccination coverage remains low in our targeted states. Children's age, sex, and parental vaccine hesitancy were significantly associated with likelihood of HPV vaccination. These findings offer the opportunity for targeted interventions among parents in regions with low vaccine uptake and underscore the importance of developing and implementing strategies to address parental HPV vaccination hesitancy to improve uptake in the US.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Shato
- Implementation Science Center for Cancer Control and Prevention Research Center, Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, One Brookings Drive, Campus Box 1196, St. Louis, MO 63130, United States; Department of Surgery (Division of Public Health Sciences), Washington University School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, United States.
| | - S Humble
- Department of Surgery (Division of Public Health Sciences), Washington University School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, United States
| | - A Anandarajah
- Department of Surgery (Division of Public Health Sciences), Washington University School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, United States; Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center, Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, United States
| | - A Barnette
- Saint Francis Medical Center, 211 St. Francis Drive, Cape Girardeau, MO 63703, United States
| | - H M Brandt
- HPV Cancer Prevention Program, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105-3678, United States
| | - J Garbutt
- Department of Medicine and Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, United States
| | - L Klesges
- Department of Surgery (Division of Public Health Sciences), Washington University School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, United States
| | - V S Thompson
- Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center, Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, United States; Department of Medicine and Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, United States
| | - M I Silver
- Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63130, United States
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Ackermann N, Humble S, Coats JV, Lewis Rhone C, Schmid C, Sanders Thompson V, Davis KL. Community Research Fellows Training Program: Evaluation of a COVID-19-Precipitated Virtual Adaptation. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2023; 20:3254. [PMID: 36833948 PMCID: PMC9964366 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20043254] [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: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Community engagement is important for promoting health equity. However, effective community engagement requires trust, collaboration, and the opportunity for all stakeholders to share in decision-making. Community-based training in public health research can build trust and increase community comfort with shared decision-making in academic and community partnerships. The Community Research Fellows Training (CRFT) Program is a community-based training program that promotes the role of underserved populations in research by enhancing participant knowledge and understanding of public health research and other relevant topics in health. This paper describes the process of modifying the original 15-week in-person training program to a 12-week online, virtual format to assure program continuation. In addition, we provide program evaluation data of the virtual training. Average post-test scores were higher than pre-test scores for every session, establishing the feasibility of virtual course delivery. While the knowledge gains observed were not as strong as those observed for the in-person training program, findings suggest the appropriateness of continuing to adapt CRFT for virtual formats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Ackermann
- Division of Public Health Sciences, Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Washington University, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Sarah Humble
- Division of Public Health Sciences, Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Washington University, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | | | - Carlette Lewis Rhone
- Community Research Fellows Training, School of Medicine, Siteman Cancer Center & Washing University, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Craig Schmid
- Community Research Fellows Training, School of Medicine, Siteman Cancer Center & Washing University, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | | | - Kia L. Davis
- Division of Public Health Sciences, Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Washington University, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
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Balls‐Berry JE, Mozersky J, Postman W, Denny A, Xiong C, Kannampallil T, Thompson VS, Hassenstab JJ, Gabel M, Hill CV, Saunders J, O'Leary C, Griffin S, Johnson C, Moulder KL, Morris JC. The COEQUAL Registry: Creating Opportunities to Increase Health Equity & Equality for Persons at Risk for AD/ADRD. Alzheimers Dement 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/alz.064300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Joyce E Balls‐Berry
- Washington University School of Medicine Saint Louis MO USA
- Knight Alzheimer Disease Research Center Saint Louis MO USA
| | | | | | - Andrea Denny
- Washington University in St. Louis St. Louis MO USA
- Knight Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center St. Louis MO USA
| | - Chengjie Xiong
- Washington University School of Medicine Saint Louis MO USA
- Washington University in St. Louis St. Louis MO USA
- Knight Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center St. Louis MO USA
- Knight Alzheimer Disease Research Center St. Louis MO USA
- Arizona Alzheimer’s Consortium Phoenix AZ USA
| | | | | | - Jason J. Hassenstab
- Washington University in St. Louis St. Louis MO USA
- Knight Alzheimer Disease Research Center St. Louis MO USA
- Washington University School of Medicine St. Louis MO USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Charis Johnson
- Washington University in St. Louis St. Louis MO USA
- Knight Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center St. Louis MO USA
| | - Krista L. Moulder
- Washington University in St. Louis St. Louis MO USA
- Knight Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center St. Louis MO USA
- Washington University School of Medicine St. Louis MO USA
| | - John C. Morris
- Washington University in St. Louis St. Louis MO USA
- Knight Alzheimer Disease Research Center St. Louis MO USA
- Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine St. Louis MO USA
- Washington University School of Medicine St. Louis MO USA
- Washington University St. Louis MO USA
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Drake B, James A, Miller H, Anandarajah A, Davis KL, Jackson S, Colditz GA, Thompson VS. Strategies to Achieve Breast Health Equity in the St. Louis Region and Beyond over 15+ Years. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:2550. [PMID: 35626157 PMCID: PMC9140077 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14102550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [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: 04/18/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Community-based participatory strategies are a promising approach to addressing disparities in community health outcomes. This paper details the efforts of Siteman Cancer Center to achieve breast health equity over the past 15+ years. We begin by describing the activities and successes arising from our breast health community partnerships including identifying priorities, developing recommendations, and implementing patient navigation services to advance breast health. This system-wide coordinated navigation approach that includes primary and specialty care providers helped to increase potential impact on reducing breast health disparities by expediting care, increasing care efficiency, and standardizing referral procedures across systems for all women including those who are uninsured and underinsured. We also discuss a mobile mammography unit that has been deployed to serve women living in both urban and rural regions. The van reached a particularly vulnerable population that was mostly poor, uninsured, and with limited educational backgrounds regardless of their zip code of service. This work shows that collaborations between academic and community partners have resulted in decreased late stage at diagnosis and improved access to mammography. Furthermore, we offer lessons learned and recommendations that may be applicable to other communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bettina Drake
- Division of Public Health Sciences, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; (B.D.); (A.J.); (A.A.); (K.D.); (S.J.)
- Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center, Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA;
| | - Aimee James
- Division of Public Health Sciences, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; (B.D.); (A.J.); (A.A.); (K.D.); (S.J.)
- Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center, Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA;
| | - Heidi Miller
- St. Louis Integrated Health Network, St. Louis, MO 63118, USA;
| | - Akila Anandarajah
- Division of Public Health Sciences, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; (B.D.); (A.J.); (A.A.); (K.D.); (S.J.)
- Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center, Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA;
| | - Kia L. Davis
- Division of Public Health Sciences, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; (B.D.); (A.J.); (A.A.); (K.D.); (S.J.)
- Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center, Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA;
| | | | - Graham A Colditz
- Division of Public Health Sciences, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; (B.D.); (A.J.); (A.A.); (K.D.); (S.J.)
- Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center, Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA;
| | - Vetta Sanders Thompson
- Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center, Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA;
- Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
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Goodman MS, Ackermann N, Pierce KA, Bowen DJ, Thompson VS. Development and Validation of a Brief Version of the Research Engagement Survey Tool. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2021; 18:10020. [PMID: 34639323 PMCID: PMC8507896 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph181910020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Revised: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The Research Engagement Survey Tool (REST) examines the level of partner engagement in research studies. This study used mixed methods, including web-based surveys (N = 336), a modified Delphi process (N = 18), and cognitive response interviews (N = 16), with convenience sampling to develop and validate a short version of the REST. We conducted factor analysis and calculated internal consistency for the condensed REST. We validated the condensed REST against the comprehensive REST. All analyses were carried out on two scales (quality and quantity) based on Likert-type response options. We examined convergent validity with other measures theoretically associated with the REST (e.g., the Community Engagement Research Index and the Partnership Self-Assessment Tool). This study produced a 9-item condensed version of the REST. The condensed REST loads on 1 factor, has high internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.92 for the quantity scale; 0.94 for the quality scale), is significantly correlated (ρ = 0.97; p < 0.001 for both scales) with the comprehensive (32-item) REST, and has negligible, low, and moderate correlation with other measures (e.g., the Partnership Assessment In community-based Research, trust in medical researchers, and the Coalition Self-Assessment Survey). Use of the condensed REST will reduce participant burden and time to complete. This standardized and validated quantitative measure is useful to compare engagement across projects or within a project over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melody S. Goodman
- School of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, NY 10003, USA;
| | - Nicole Ackermann
- Division of Public Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA;
| | - Kristyn A. Pierce
- School of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, NY 10003, USA;
| | - Deborah J. Bowen
- Department of Bioethics and Humanities, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA;
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Goodman MS, Ackermann N, Bowen DJ, Panel D, Thompson VS. Reaching Consensus on Principles of Stakeholder Engagement in Research. Prog Community Health Partnersh 2020; 14:117-127. [PMID: 32280129 PMCID: PMC7867997 DOI: 10.1353/cpr.2020.0014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stakeholder-engaged research is an umbrella term for the types of research that have community, patient, and/or stakeholder engagement, feedback, and bidirectional communication as approaches used in the research process. The level of stakeholder engagement across studies can vary greatly, from minimal engagement to fully collaborative partnerships. OBJECTIVES To present the process of reaching consensus among stakeholder and academic experts on the stakeholder engagement principles (EPs) and to identify definitions for each principle. METHODS We convened 19 national experts, 18 of whom remained engaged in a five-round Delphi process. The Delphi panel consisted of a broad range of stakeholders (e.g., patients, caregivers, advocacy groups, clinicians, researchers). We used web-based surveys for most rounds (1-3 and 5) and an in-person meeting for round 4. Panelists evaluated EP titles and definitions with a goal of reaching consensus (>80% agreement). Panelists' comments guided modifications, with greater weight given to non-academic stakeholder input. CONCLUSIONS EP titles and definitions were modified over five Delphi rounds. The panel reached consensus on eight EPs (dropping four, modifying four, and adding one) and corresponding definitions. The Delphi process allowed for a stakeholder-engaged approach to methodological research. Stakeholder engagement in research is time consuming and requires greater effort but may yield a better, more relevant outcome than more traditional scientist-only processes. This stakeholder-engaged process of reaching consensus on EPs and definitions provides a key initial step for the content validation of a survey tool to examine the level of stakeholder engagement in research studies.
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Komaie G, Goodman M, McCall A, McGill G, Patterson C, Hayes C, Sanders Thompson V. Training Community Members in Public Health Research: Development and Implementation of a Community Participatory Research Pilot Project. Health Equity 2018; 2:282-287. [PMID: 30334019 PMCID: PMC6190915 DOI: 10.1089/heq.2018.0043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [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] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Community-based training in public health research can build capacity for community-based participatory research (CBPR) and foster health partnerships between academics and stakeholders. We describe a community-academic partnership developed from a 15-week program, the Community Research Fellows Training (CRFT), designed to increase research literacy and facilitate equitable relationships in community/researcher collaborations and partnerships. The article provides a description of a community and faculty collaboration to conduct a participatory pilot research project that followed program completion. Methods: Four CRFT program alumni formed a community research team and selected a faculty mentor. After a request for proposal release, the team developed a pilot research proposal that addressed a concern for mental health among women experiencing economic stress. After completion of the pilot research, the community researchers elected to participate in two dissemination efforts, including a manuscript reflecting on their research experience. Team successes, challenges, and recommendations for future training are discussed. Results: Each member of the CRFT pilot research team reflects on how training prepared community members to conduct CBPR research through development and implementation of a pilot research project. Community researchers gained experience in grant proposal development, choosing appropriate health interventions, conducting in-person surveys and telephone interviews, and disseminating study findings. Conclusions: Providing training in public health research before community/researcher collaboration can increase community capacity to engage in research as equitable partners in research question development, study design, and data interpretation and dissemination. The project success suggests that this and similar programs maximize the potential of community-academic health partnerships to address health disparities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Goldie Komaie
- Division of Public Health Sciences, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine (WUSM), St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Melody Goodman
- College of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, New York
| | - Angela McCall
- Community Research Fellows Training Program, Program for the Elimination of Cancer Disparities at Siteman Cancer Center, Division of Public Health Sciences, WUSM, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Gloria McGill
- Community Research Fellows Training Program, Program for the Elimination of Cancer Disparities at Siteman Cancer Center, Division of Public Health Sciences, WUSM, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Chavelle Patterson
- Community Research Fellows Training Program, Program for the Elimination of Cancer Disparities at Siteman Cancer Center, Division of Public Health Sciences, WUSM, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Cassandra Hayes
- Community Research Fellows Training Program, Program for the Elimination of Cancer Disparities at Siteman Cancer Center, Division of Public Health Sciences, WUSM, St. Louis, Missouri
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Abstract
Before the burgeoning field of biospecimen collection can advance prevention and treatment methods, researchers must access diverse molecular data samples. However, minorities, especially African-American men, remain reticent to join these studies. This study, using theory-based approaches, investigated African-American men's barriers to participating in biorepository research. Fourteen focus groups were conducted among 70 African-American men (ages 40 to 80). The groups were stratified by prostate cancer history and educational attainment background. Participants identified perceived factors that promoted or hindered study participation when questioned about their knowledge and attitudes about biospecimen research. Ninety-four percent of participants indicated never participating in a study that collected biological samples. Barriers to their participation included lack of knowledge and understanding regarding biospecimen research practices and uses. In addition, they extensively cited a prevalent mistrust of the medical community and discomfort with study recruitment practices. African-American males were more willing to participate in biorepository studies with physician endorsement or if they understood that participation could benefit future generations. Men also wanted more recruitment and advertising done in familiar places.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bettina F. Drake
- Division of Public Health Sciences, Department of Surgery, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110 United States, Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center, St. Louis, MO 63110, , phone: 314-747-4534, fax: 314454-7941
| | - Danielle Boyd
- Division of Public Health Sciences, Department of Surgery, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110 United States,
| | - Kimberly Carter
- Department of Social Work, Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville, Edwardsville, IL 62026 United States,
| | - Sarah Gehlert
- Division of Public Health Sciences, Department of Surgery, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110 United States, Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center, St. Louis, MO 63110 United States,
| | - Vetta Sanders Thompson
- Brown School of Social Work, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110 United States,
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Abstract
Two hundred and one African Americans, including 99 males and 102 females, were interviewed in an attempt to identify variables that impact on racial identification. All participants were eighteen years of age or older and resided within a large midwestern city. The data were collected utilizing two instruments. A structured interview protocol was developed that elicited life course data for individuals including geographical, educational, social, and family history. Information on political and social activities, as they related to Black empowerment movements, was collected, as well. The questionnaire was a 44-item instrument that assessed the level of sociocultural participation and the orientation of the subject on two parameters of racial identification: cultural identity and psychological identity. The results indicated that participation in African American political organizations and experiences with racism were important factors in determining identification on the psychological parameter. Sex, education, and the age at which racism was experienced were important factors in determining cultural identification.
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Wiehagen T, Caito NM, Thompson VS, Casey CM, Weaver NL, Jupka K, Kreuter MW. Applying Projective Techniques to Formative Research in Health Communication Development. Health Promot Pract 2016; 8:164-72. [PMID: 17003247 DOI: 10.1177/1524839906289818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
This article describes a new approach to formative research in which projective techniques commonly used in psychological assessment were adapted for use in focus groups to help design colorectal-cancer screening materials for African American men and women. Participants (N = 20) were divided into six “design teams.” Each team was given a selection of design supplies and asked to create and discuss a visual layout for screening materials. Participants chose design elements that reflected visual preferences that they felt would connect meaningfully with other African Americans. The dynamics within the design teams were different than in traditional focus groups, with participants having more control over the group's direction. Using projective techniques helped draw out unique information from participants by allowing them to “project” their opinions onto objects. This approach may be a valuable tool for health-promotion and health-communication practitioners seeking insight on the implicit values of a priority population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theresa Wiehagen
- Health Communication Research Laboratory, Saint Louis University School of Public Health, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
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Coats JV, Stafford JD, Sanders Thompson V, Johnson Javois B, Goodman MS. Increasing research literacy: the community research fellows training program. J Empir Res Hum Res Ethics 2014; 10:3-12. [PMID: 25742661 DOI: 10.1177/1556264614561959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [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: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The Community Research Fellows Training (CRFT) Program promotes the role of underserved populations in research by enhancing the capacity for community-based participatory research (CBPR). CRFT consists of 12 didactic training sessions and 3 experiential workshops intended to train community members in research methods and evidence-based public health. The training (a) promotes partnerships between community members and academic researchers, (b) enhances community knowledge of public health research, and (c) trains community members to become critical consumers of research. Fifty community members participated in training sessions taught by multidisciplinary faculty. Forty-five (90%) participants completed the program. Findings demonstrate that the training increased awareness of health disparities, research knowledge, and the capacity to use CBPR as a tool to address disparities.
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Abstract
Evanescent wave-based fiber-optic immunosensors were studied for the detection of fumonisins and aflatoxins in maize. Two formats, competitive and non-competitive, were used. A competitive format was used to measure fumonisin B1 (FB1) in both spiked and naturally contaminated maize samples. Fumonisin monoclonal antibodies were covalently coupled to an optical fiber and the competition between FB1 and FB1 labeled with fluorescein (FB1-FITC) for the limited number of binding sites on the fiber was assessed. The signal generated in the assay was inversely proportional to the FB1 concentration. For samples, the concentration causing an inhibition of binding by 50% (IC50) was dependent upon the clean-up procedure used. Simple dilution of methanolic maize extracts yielded an assay with an IC50 equivalent to 25 microg FB1 g(-1) maize with a limit of detection of 3.2 microg g(-1) maize. Affinity column clean-up yielded an assay with an IC50 equivalent to 5 microg FB1 g(-1) maize (limit of detection 0.4 microg FB1 g(-1)). An HPLC method and the immunosensor method agreed well for naturally contaminated maize samples except when large amounts of other fumonisins that cross-react with the immunosensor were present. The second sensor format, for the mycotoxin aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), was a non-competitive assay using the native fluorescence of this mycotoxin. Because the fluorescence of AFB1 itself was detected, the response of the sensor was directly proportional to the toxin concentration. The sensor, while capable of detecting as little as 2 ng ml(-1) of AFB1 in solution was technically not an immunosensor, since the attachment of aflatoxin specific antibodies was not required. Sensors of the formats described have the potential to rapidly screen individual maize samples but require coupling with a clean-up technique to be truly effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- C M Maragos
- National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research, Peoria, Illinois 61604, USA
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