Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Examining The Associations Between Depressive Symptoms, Body Mass Index, And Physical Activity Self-Efficacy In African American Mother-Child Dyads, Y'Esha Vonyae Williams

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

In recent decades the prevalence of childhood and adult depression and obesity has increased worldwide. Multiple factors influence the onset of both depression and obesity. Individual manifestations of depressive symptomatology and health-related problems associated with obesity vary; however, genetics and environmental and psychological factors have been implicated as correlates. Consequently, both disorders can ultimately interfere with individuals’ activities of daily living and decrease their quality of life. African American women are known to have a higher prevalence of obesity and more severe depressive symptoms in comparison to Caucasian women. Likewise, African American children are more obese and experience many factors …

Alleged Insanity: Frank Johnson Sr., Racial Injustice, And The Failure Of The Mental Health Care System In South Carolina, Jonathon P. Johnson

Senior Theses

This thesis is about Frank Johnson Sr. and the circumstances that led to his downfall as a farmer and father of six, to his tragic death in the isolation of a racially segregated mental institution 18 miles away from his home. Using his life and incarceration at the South Carolina State Park mental health facility, I argue that racial injustice contributed to his tragic death and the woefully inadequate treatment thousands of African Americans in South Carolina received during Jim Crow. Additionally, I argue that the tragic circumstances around my great grandfather’s institutionalization and death were part of an enduring …

Violence Related Injuries Among Individuals Admitted To A Level I Trauma Center In Atlanta, 2011-2013, Fahruk O. Akinleye, Gemechu Gerbi, Omar Danner, Elaine Archie-Booker, Stephanie Miles-Richardson

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Background: Violence related injuries (VRIs) are a major public health problem in the United States (US). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), homicide is the 11th leading cause of death in the US and the third leading cause of death among persons aged 15-24 years old. Among African Americans aged 10-34, homicide is the leading cause of death and is the fifth leading cause of death among those 35-44 years old. One form of homicide that can result in injury resulting in death is firearm violence. The objective of this study is to assess the rates …

Reproductive Health Knowledge Among African American Women Enrolled In A Clinic-Based Randomized Controlled Trial To Reduce Psychosocial And Behavioral Risk, Project Dc-Hope, Uba Backonja, Candace Robledo, Maeve Wallace, Katrina F. Flores, Michele Kiely

School of Medicine Publications and Presentations

Background: Washington, DC, has among the highest rates of sexually transmitted infections and unintended pregnancy in the United States. Increasing women's reproductive health knowledge may help to address these reproductive health issues. This analysis assessed whether high-risk pregnant African American women in Washington, DC, who participated in an intervention to reduce behavioral and psychosocial risks had greater reproductive health knowledge than women receiving usual care.

Methods: Project DC-HOPE was a randomized, controlled trial that included pregnant African American women in Washington, DC, recruited during prenatal care (PNC). Women in the intervention group were provided reproductive health education and received tailored …

Evasions In Interactions: Examples From The Transcultural Nursing Research Field, Janice D. Crist Phd, Rn, Fngna, Faan, Heather Coats Ms, Aprn-Bc, Phd, Kay Lehman Rn, Msn, Cwocn, Isela Luna Rn, Phd, Ccm

The Qualitative Report

Transcultural qualitative research is known for its utility in eliciting in-depth narratives, resulting in increased understanding about cultural phenomena. However, sometimes specific phenomena in the researcher’s inquiry are ignored, evaded, or denied; or a seemingly crucial experience demonstrating society’s unfairness, which the researcher had been expecting, does not emerge. In this paper, the issue of evasions in narratives is addressed, with two examples in which participants evaded the issue about which they were asked: perceptions of discrimination for aging adults of Mexican descent, and perceptions of living with life-limiting illnesses for aging African American adults. The Ethno-Cultural Gerontological Nursing Model …

Predictors Of Quality Of Life For African American Women Who Assist Persons Who Receive Dialysis, Shaquita A. Starks

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

The purpose of this predictive correlational study was to describe predictors of quality of life (QoL) for African American women who were caregivers of persons with end stage renal disease (ESRD). Five purposes, derived from a review of literature and conceptual model, guided this study. First, the study described the association between demographic factors (i.e., education, employment, age, marital status), and QoL. Second, the study explored the relationship between stress and QoL. Third, the study described the association between depressive symptoms and QoL. Fourth, the study described the association between family health/happiness and QoL. Fifth, the study described the extent …

Use Of Culturally Tailored Media To Increase Hiv Screening Among African Americans, Leda Evans

Doctoral Projects

Over one million people in the United States have HIV with a substantial portion of these individuals being African American. Innovative approaches to improving the HIV disparity among African Americans have been encouraged by the federal government. Culturally tailored HIV risk reduction interventions have been noted as effective in several studies in reducing risk behavior. The purpose of the intervention was to determine if the use of culturally tailored HIV risk reduction media would result in an increase in HIV screening among African Americans. A one-time community based-intervention with no control group was utilized to determine impact of media. Screening …

The Construct And Predictive Validity Of Psychosocial Correlates Of Television Viewing, Raheem Paxton, Pascal Jean-Pierre, Saehwan Park, Yong Gao Dr., Stephen Herrmann, G J. Norman

Journal of Health Disparities Research and Practice

Background: Many studies have examined the consequences of prolonged television viewing, but few studies have examined the psychological states that contribute to this behavior. In this study, we evaluated the construct and predictive validity of psychosocial correlates of television viewing in a population of African American (AA) breast cancer survivors (BCS).

Methods: AA BCS (N = 342, Mean age = 54 years) completed measures of decisional balance, self-efficacy, family support, and time spent watching television online. Exploratory structural equation modeling (ESEM) was used to examine the construct and predictive validity as well as the differential item functioning of the instruments …

Development And Implementation Of A Culturally Tailored, Community-Based Intervention To Raise Awareness Of Brain Health Among African Americans, Mary Ann K. Hall, Ashani Johnson-Turbes, Felicia T. Fuller, Petra Niles, Shileah Cantey-Mcdonald

Journal of Health Disparities Research and Practice

African Americans bear a disproportionate burden of age-related cognitive impairment in the United States compared to Whites or Hispanics. African Americans experience greater prevalence, higher risk, and lower rates of treatment and diagnosis for dementia. In response to these health disparities the Alzheimer’s Association developed and implemented the Healthy Brain Initiative (HBI) demonstration project, the first community-level intervention to help reduce health disparities related to cognitive impairment among African Americans. The HBI promotes awareness of brain health, understanding of the heart-brain connection, and seeks to increase African American baby boomers engagement in health-protective behaviors to promote brain and overall health. …

Preserving Cognition In Older African Americans With Mild Cognitive Impairment., Barry W. Rovner, Robin J. Casten

Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior Faculty Papers

No abstract provided.

Teen Dating Violence: Co-Occurrence With Bullying Among African American Teens In South Florida, Rosemarie Hemmings

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Teen dating violence and bullying are major public health concerns but are preventable. Both dating violence and bullying occur within similar social context and the prevalence of teen dating violence was highest for African American teens as reported on the 2011 Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS). Social learning theory provides a foundation for understanding and changing behavior related to dating violence victimization and bully victimization. The research questions focused on relationships between bully and teen dating violence victimization when controlling for race/ethnicity, gender, substance abuse, age, and age of first sexual intercourse. Additionally, the potential mediating variable of spending time …

From Their Home To Ours: Establishing Environmental And Health Literacy Via Urban Gardening For At-Risk Youth, Tiffany B. Hunter

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

The Global Health concentration of the Master of Public Health highly encourages its students to participate in efforts which promote health and prevent disease either for a cultural group abroad or with a local disparate group (e.g. first-generation immigrants, established minority groups). The current research aimed to develop a similar model of community engagement and health promotion within an urban setting as witnessed in a developing country.

During an internship with Israel’s Ministry of Health, I witnessed a successful community garden and environmental education program designed for children whom reside in an Arab village. Much like the Israeli Arab community …

Rural Obese African American Women And Depression, Food Culture, And Binge Eating, Tracee Tamiko Smith

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The rural African American population has a high incidence of severe psychosocial problems and a skewed perception of obesity, despite obesity's extremely high prevalence rate in this population. Despite the acknowledgements of these problems, there is a gap in literature relative to the effective treatments for obese African Americans diagnosed with depression. This study measured correlations between obesity and depression, binge eating, and food culture amongst African American women residing in Jefferson County, MS. The health belief model was used to guide an assessment of beliefs, perceptions, susceptibility, cues to action, and self-efficacy. A cross-sectional design was used based on …

An Ecological Approach To African American Adolescent Food Choices In Low Income Neighborhoods, Clarence E. Mcmillan

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Childhood obesity remains prevalent among African American (AA) adolescents in low income neighborhoods with limited access to a variety of foods from stores. Guided by the ecological framework, the purpose of this study was to examine the impact of neighborhood stores on food choices, and physical activity among AA adolescents in a low income neighborhood. A quantitative research design with cross sectional primary and secondary surveys was used. Participants included 176 high school students and 42 store merchants. Data sources were the 2011 New Jersey Student Health Survey with core questions from the Youth Risk Behavior Survey and the Hmong …

The Experience Of Being Unsheltered In Atlanta, Ikeranda Smith

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

In the United States, it is estimated that millions of adults are homeless. Some individuals choose not to use homeless shelters or are ineligible for their use. Researchers have indicated that many unsheltered homeless are men over the age of 45 years. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to examine the experiences with social services providers among unsheltered men. Understanding the social networks of unsheltered homeless and the use of spirituality or faith as a resource for coping was also examined, as a significant gap exists in the research on unsheltered homeless. Face-to-face, in-depth interviews were conducted with 8 …

Factors Affecting Body Mass Index Levels In African American Women Living In North Carolina, Padmini Shanti Kirpalani

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The prevalence of obesity has doubled over the past 25 years in the United States, particularly in North Carolina. Obesity is influenced by biological, social, and environmental factors; its prevalence has been found to be higher among African American women and other racial ethnic minorities. Guided by the social ecological model, the purpose of this cross sectional study was to examine the relationship of the psycho-social, psycho-behavioral factors, and body mass index levels (BMI) in African American women living in North Carolina versus their Hispanic American and European American counterparts. A logistic regression model using secondary data from the Behavioral …

Effects Of Social Support On Cardiac Recurrence Among African Americans, Yolanda Phillips

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Heart disease is the leading cause of death among African Americans. Despite advances in treatment modalities, based on better understanding of the disease's pathology and access to health care, African Americans continue to die from heart disease at rates significantly higher than other races. The available literature on cardiovascular disease among African Americans does not adequately explore how social support affects heart health in this group. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of social support on cardiac recurrence among African American adults. Cohen's ISEL support system variables: tangible, appraisal, belonging, and self-esteem; and five demographic variables: …

Interrelationships Of Colorism, Violence, And Sexual Behaviors Among Southern African American Women., Phaedra Christensen

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Two significant public health concerns that threaten both the physical and mental health of African-American women are Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). African-American women (AAW) in the south carry the greatest burden of HIV and disproportionately represent the region with an incidence of 71% for new HIV infections, and elevated rates of morbidity and mortality. In 2013, the murder rate among AAW was 2.5 times higher than it was among Caucasian women. Most of the published studies that explored the association between IPV and HIV had mixed populations, did not explore topics unique to AAs, or …

Experiences Managing Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus Among Parents Of African-American Youth, Sonya T. Strider

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is one of the most frequently diagnosed endocrine and metabolic conditions that occur during childhood. This research study utilized a phenomenological study design to examine how the lived experiences of 20 African American (AA) parents of children with T1DM recruited using social media affects their management and control of the disease among AA youth age 5-17 years old. The interview questions were outlined in categories that tested key constructs of the health belief model (HBM) to determine the perceived barriers, seriousness, and susceptibility to maintaining good glycemic control for their children. Data from each interview …

The Effect Of Dietary Fruits & Vegetable Consumption And Physical Activity On Obesity In African American Adolescent Females., Tanisha Brooks

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Obesity is epidemic among Black adolescent females, and adolescent obesity often leads to adult obesity. Previous research suggests that there may be an interaction between physical activity and dietary fruit and vegetable intake on body mass index (BMI) in obese adolescent females in general, but it was unclear whether the same pattern is evident in Black adolescent females, who, on average, tend to have low levels of physical activity and fruit and vegetable intake. Bandura's social learning theory implies the possibility that adolescent females might model their behaviors on the behavior of others in their high school years, including physical …

Bone Mineral Density, Preventative Behaviors And Risk Factors In African American And Caucasian Mother-Daughter Pairs, Mary Haskins Haskins

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

It is expected that by 2030, elderly minorities will comprise 20.2 million of the total 72.8 million population of Americans over 65 years (pollard, 2013). For African American women over the age of 50, 5% have osteoporosis and an estimated 35% have low bone mass (nof, n.d.). It is estimated that while over 40% of African American women over 80 years meet criteria for treatment, yet less than 12% are actually treated (Cauley, 2011). Striking disparities exist between African American and Caucasian women's likelihood for dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (dxa) referral, the measurement tool that is used to diagnosis osteoporosis. (Hamrick, …

Exploring The Lived Experience Of Young African American Breast Cancer Survivorship To Inform The Adaptation Of A Psychoeducational Intervention: Y-Ambient, Timiya S. Nolan

All ETDs from UAB

In the United States, 26,393 young women (≤ 45 years) will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2016. Though survival rates are improving, there are health disparities among young African American women when compared to young Caucasians (e.g., poorer quality of life). Despite recommendations to provide targeted evidence-based survivorship care, there are about 23,000 young African American breast cancer survivors (YAABCS) in Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi for whom this care does not exist. Few studies have examined survivorship experiences and/or tested intervention efficacy among this group. Further study is warranted to understand the experiences of YAABCS and adapt targeted interventions …

Three-Dimensional Facial Morphological Changes From Adolescence To Adulthood In Caucasian And African American Populations, Matthew Davis

All ETDs from UAB

The purpose of this cross sectional retrospective study was to use three dimensional surface imaging to determine gender dimorphism and facial morphological changes from adolescence to adulthood in African American and Caucasian populations. Materials and Methods: Three-dimensional images were captured using a laser scanner (Minolta Vivid VI900) and a stereophotogrammatic camera system (3dMDfaceTM). The total sample size included 371 subjects, including the following: 107 African-American adolescents 10–13 years of age, 100 African-American adults 19–30 years of age, 64 Caucasian adolescents 10–13 years of age, and 100 Caucasian adults 18–30 years of age. All subjects had normal body mass index, no …

A Comparison Of Soft Tissue Topographical Norms For The Local Ethnic People Of Zimbabwe And African American Norms Based On 3dmd Soft Tissue Photography, Elvin Bhaskar

All ETDs from UAB

Introduction: The purpose of this study is to determine the soft tissue topographical norms for the local ethnic people of Zimbabwe and compare them with the African American norms based on 3dMD soft tissue photography. The rationale for the study is to evaluate how the soft tissue drape over the facial skeleton correlates with the different soft tissue analysis widely available today. This study seeks to establish an average base on which clinicians can treat people according to their cultural esthetic perceptions. Previous reported studies only evaluate small numbers of populations and it is well known that different races and …

Three-Dimensional Age-Related Changes Of The Adult Male Face, Catherine Haynie Haynie

All ETDs from UAB

Objectives: The adult population is a fast growing subgroup of orthodontic practices. The facial soft tissues of adults are different from adolescents, and there is significant sexual dimorphism in the aging of facial soft tissue. It is imperative for the orthodontist to understand how aging effects the soft tissues of the face, and to know how male and females differ in this process. The objectives of this study include: 1.) Identification of trends in facial aging among a Caucasian male and African American male sample utilizing three-dimensional surface imaging technology. 2.) Comparison of the aging effects between the Caucasian and …

Reactions Of Low-Income African American Women To Breastfeeding Peer Counselors, Karen Marie Robinson, Leona Vandevusse, Jamarrah Foster

College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications

Objective

To examine the influence of breastfeeding peer counseling on the breastfeeding experiences of African American mothers who participated in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC).

Design

Qualitative study using focus groups.

Setting

Two WIC clinics in Southeast Wisconsin were used for recruitment and data collection.

Participants

A convenience sample of nine African American mothers participated in one of two focus groups.

Methods

The women responded to a series of open-ended questions about their breastfeeding experiences and the effect of breastfeeding peer counselors (BPCs). Content and thematic analyses were used to analyze patterns related to …

Perinatal Nurses: Key To Increasing African American Breast-Feeding Rates, Karen Marie Robinson

College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications

Breast milk is the ideal source of nutrition for infants for at least the first 6 months of life. Despite women in the United States reaching national objectives for breast-feeding initiation (75%), racial disparities persist. According to the most recent data, 83% of white mothers initiated breast-feeding whereas only 66% African American mothers did so. Breast-feeding initiation may be amenable to perinatal nursing intervention. Breast-feeding may be a practice that helps bridge the racial divide in perinatal outcomes among African American families. Nurses have an essential role in embracing breast-feeding promotion and support to patients who are least likely to …

Volumetric Analysis Of The Lips In Aging African American And Caucasian Females, David William Bowen

All ETDs from UAB

The objective of this study was to perform a volumetric analysis of the lips at rest and upon smiling in African American and Caucasian females distributed throughout five age groups. Materials and Methods: Three-dimensional surface facial images of 100 African American females and 100 Caucasian females were obtained using the 3dMDTMface system (3dMDface, Atlanta GA). Images were analyzed using the Aging Evaluation Analysis (AEVA) software (Eotech, Paris, France) to assess lip volume at rest and upon smile. The following linear measurements were also calculated upon smiling and non-smiling: subnasale-stomion superius, commissure-commissure, stomion inferius-labiomental sulcus. Gingival display and crown length was …