Education Commons^™

An Assessment Of Funding And Other Capacity Needs For Health Equity Programming Within State-Level Chronic Disease Programs, Tiffany Pertillar, Ann Pobutsky, Phd, Gail Brandt, Edd, Mph, Marisa New, Otr, Mph, Jamielou Delavan, Ba, Robyn Taylor, Mba, Amishi Shah, Mpa, Ma, Folasaya Adunola, Dds, Mph, Onyemaechi Nweke

Journal of Health Disparities Research and Practice

Background: Chronic diseases are an important contributor to morbidity and mortality among racial/ethnic minority, low-income, and other under-resourced populations. Given that state health departments (and their chronic disease programs) play a significant role in providing population and preventive health services, their capacity to promote health equity is an important consideration in national efforts to address chronic diseases. The purpose of this study was to examine capacity needs of state chronic disease programs with respect to promoting health equity.

Methods: In 2015, the National Association of Chronic Disease Directors (NACDD) conducted a survey of its members that work within a …

Healthcare Reform In Latino Rhode Island: Perspectives Of Spanish Speakers And Insurance Navigators, Haiyan Ramírez Batlle, Roberta E. Goldman, Amed Logroño, Joseph A. Diaz

Journal of Health Disparities Research and Practice

Latinos have the highest uninsurance rates of any ethnic or racial group in the US despite recent health insurance expansion reform. In addition to immigration and language barriers, health literacy and attitudes may impact coverage disparities. Focus groups with Spanish-speaking community members and semi-structured interviews with health insurance navigators were conducted to explore knowledge, awareness, and attitudes towards healthcare reform among Latinos in Rhode Island. Sessions were audio recorded, transcribed, and analyzed employing standard qualitative methods. Thirty-two focus group participants and six navigators were enrolled in the study. Spanish-speaking participants demonstrated limited knowledge of the cost implications of the Medicaid …

Building Community-Campus Partnerships To Prevent Infant Mortality: Lessons Learned From Building Capacity In Four Us Cities, Renata Schiavo, Isabel Estrada-Portales, Elena Hoeppner, Denisse Ormaza, Radhika Ramesh

Journal of Health Disparities Research and Practice

Infant mortality rate (IMR) is an important indicator of progress toward health equity and socio-economic development. Despite progress, the US is ranked 45th among 192 countries in IMR, with non-Hispanic black IMR 2.2 times that of non-Hispanic white rates, and higher than average IMR in Native American populations. The Preconception Peer Educators (PPE) program of the U.S. DHHS Office of Minority Health Resource Center (OMHRC) aims to raise awareness about IMR disparities in African Americans, and to promote preconception health behaviors among women of childbearing age and sexually active men. Building upon this program, this report focuses on lessons learned …

Prescription Drug Costs: Does Neighborhood Matter?, Abigayle Alexander, Lisa M. Lapeyrouse, Phd

Journal of Health Disparities Research and Practice

The price of pharmaceuticals can impact one’s ability to purchase needed medication(s). If one cannot afford necessary prescriptions the resulting medication noncompliance can lead to further health complications, increasing the risk of disability, disease progression, and mortality (Mojtabai & Olfson, 2003; Sherbourne, Hays, Ordway, DiMatteo, & Kravitz, 2010).

In this research study we aim to answer two questions: (1) Is there a relationship between neighborhood characteristics (population size, race/ethnic composition, median income, and crime) and access to pharmacies?; and (2) Is there a relationship between neighborhood characteristics and pharmaceutical prices? Using 2009-2013 American Community Survey Data, Census block group data …

Igniting Passion For Science Across A Vast Ocean: Nurturing A New Generation Of Pacific Island Scientists, George Hui, Danielle Clements

Journal of Health Disparities Research and Practice

This article introduces the work that was done through the Coordinating Center at the John A. Burns School of Medicine at the University of Hawaii.

Preparing Underrepresented High School Students To Increase Diversity In The Research And Health Professions, Dolores E. Caffey-Fleming, Ms, Mph, Christopher Reid, Md, Phd

Journal of Health Disparities Research and Practice

This article introduces the work that was done through the Coordinating Center at Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science.

The Step Up Program, Lawrence Agodoa, Md

Journal of Health Disparities Research and Practice

The Short-Term Research Experience Program for Underrepresented Persons (STEP-UP) was established as part of the NIDDK Strategic Plan on Minority Health Disparities. This article provides an overview and introduction of this program. All of the articles that are included in this special issue reflect the work of our coordinating centers, the mentors and their staff, as well as the students.

Community Based Participatory Research: The Application And Lessons Learned From A Study With Lgb College Students, Caitlin M. Stover

Journal of Health Disparities Research and Practice

Lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) individuals are members of a vulnerable group where health disparities have been identified. To gain a better understanding of the LGB college student healthcare experience and its contribution to the healthcare disparities found in LGB population, a community based participatory research (CBPR) approach was used to fill the gap. This paper will outline the CBPR process with an emphasis on how the principle investigator applied the tenets of CBPR when working with a local LGB college community. Several lessons learned from the research process are also shared in this paper.

Using Concepts From Freire’S Pedagogy Of The Oppressed To Promote Colorectal Cancer Screening In An Urban Minority Population, Corey H. Brouse, Charles E. Basch, Randi L. Wolf

Journal of Health Disparities Research and Practice

This paper briefly introduces Freire’s philosophy of education, as well as examples of how this philosophy can be used in health education. Concepts from Freire’s work are highlighted along with how they are applicable to educating adults about colorectal cancer (CRC) screening, a health behavior that is less prevalent among poor and minority populations. Concepts highlighted in Freire’s writing can be directly applied to reducing disparities in health.