Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Elevated Depressive Symptoms In A Community Sample Of African-Americans And Whites, Robert J. Jagers, Fernando A. Wagner, Pamela E. Scott-Johnson, Yan Wang, Dorothy C. Browne

Journal of Health Disparities Research and Practice

This study examined demographic and psychosocial correlates of elevated depressive symptoms among African-Americans and Whites from comparable socioeconomic and neighborhood backgrounds. 851 African-Americans and 597 Whites from adjacent census tracts were interviewed using previously validated indicators of depressive symptoms, social support, religious practices and various demographic characteristics. More Whites than African-Americans reported elevated depressive symptoms and the groups also differed on several demographic variables and psychosocial variables. Employment, marital status and age were salient demographic covariates for African Americans, while income was for Whites. For both groups, social support and church attendance were inversely associated with depressive symptoms. Prayer was …

A Geospatial Analysis Of Cdc-Funded Hiv Prevention Programs For African Americans In The United States, G. A. Gilliam, Carol L. Hanchette, Kieran J. Fogarty, Deborah A. Gibbs

Journal of Health Disparities Research and Practice

Given the increase in HIV/AIDS infection rates among racial and ethnic minorities, particularly African Americans, this study was undertaken as part of a larger research effort to examine the distribution of HIV prevention services focusing on African American populations within the United States. Data were gathered via a national survey of community-based organizations (CBOs) funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). A geocoded national database was constructed to identify, locate, and map these HIV prevention programs. A total of 1,020 CBOs responded to the survey, yielding a response rate of 70.3%. These CBOs administered a total of …

Family Breast Cancer Education: A Model For African American Women, Frankie D. Powell, Edwin D. Bell, Jamilla Shepperson, Thomas Coaxum

Journal of Health Disparities Research and Practice

The purpose of this study, funded by the American Cancer Society, was to increase knowledge and understanding, i.e., the willingness and ability to discuss, of breast cancer in southern minority women and their families. A family model of health education guided the research questions. (a) To what extent will an action research intervention increase knowledge about the causes and treatment of breast cancer in minority women? (b) To what extent will an action research intervention increase willingness to talk with family members? The t-test analysis of a 67-item, self- administered survey indicated significant increases in knowledge of cancer and in …

Evaluating “Not In Mama's Kitchen” Second-Hand Smoke Campaign In Georgia, Jonathan B. Vangeest, Verna L. Welch

Journal of Health Disparities Research and Practice

In 2003-2005, the Association of Black Cardiologists, Inc. initiated the Not in Mama’s Kitchen (NIMK) second-hand smoke (SHS) prevention campaign in Georgia as part of their effort to reduce exposure to SHS in African American communities statewide. This initiative was evaluated using baseline data from pledge cards as well as data from a self-administered mail survey of 1,000 campaign participants. 14,770 Georgians participated in NIMK, signing pledges to make their homes and cars smoke free. Majorities of those surveyed followed through with their pledge, banning tobacco use in their homes (76.1%) and cars (80.2%). The program was cited by 65.4% …

African American Adults’ Experiences With The Health Care System: In Their Own Words, Keri A. Jupka, Nancy L. Weaver, Vetta L. Sanders-Thompson, Nicole M. Caito, Matthew W. Kreuter

Journal of Health Disparities Research and Practice

African Americans suffer a disproportionate burden of death and illness from a number of different chronic diseases. Inequalities in health care practices and poor patient and provider communication between African American patients and health care professionals contribute to these disparities. We describe findings from focus groups with 79 urban African Americans in which the participants discussed their interactions with the healthcare system as well as beliefs and opinions of the healthcare system and professionals. Analysis revealed five major themes: (1) historical and contextual foundations; (2) interpersonal experiences with physicians and other health care workers; (3) discrimination; (4) trust, opinions and …

Pastors’ Influence On Research-Based Health Programs In Church Settings, Shirley M. Timmons

Journal of Health Disparities Research and Practice

Churches, in the United States, are recognized essential players in addressing our mounting health and social service needs. Yet, even though they implement a relatively large number of programs, few are research-based. Focus groups were conducted with pastors from 11 Baptist churches in a small Southeastern town to explore factors that influence the implementation of research-based health programs. Transcripts were coded for domains resulting in four themes: congregant needs, shared programming ethics, common understanding of programming processes, and care for the church and congregation. Pastors value research and seek church-based programs that enhance the health of congregants. Yet, future study …

Promoting Physical Activity In Low Income African Americans: Project Laps, Dorothy W. Pekmezi, Brooke L. Barbera, Jamie S. Bodenlos, Glenn N. Jones, Phillip J. Brantley

Journal of Health Disparities Research and Practice

Low income African Americans are at increased risk for physical inactivity and related chronic illnesses. Thus, effective interventions are needed to address these health disparities. The current study examined the efficacy of a home-based physical activity intervention among a low income African American sample with high rates of chronic illnesses (obesity, hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol). Participants (n=214) were randomly assigned to either the home-based physical activity intervention (self-help print materials, five monthly newsletters, two telephone counseling sessions) or an attention control condition, which promoted healthy diet. Results indicated that the intervention did not produce significantly greater increases in physical activity …

Beyond The It Magic Bullet: Hiv Prevention Education And Public Policy, Fay C. Payton

Journal of Health Disparities Research and Practice

Analytic applications are vital in the assessments of public health and surveillance as these applications can drive resource allocation, community assessment and public policy. Using a dataset of nearly 90,000 patient hospital encounters, the number of instances with an ICD code of HIV and co-morbidities was identified. Blacks accounted for 75 percent of HIV hospital encounters in the dataset. While business analytic applications informed this study of cross-tabulations and interaction effects among race, age and gender, there appears to be a significant relationship among HIV diagnoses and substance abuse. Payer data is informed by the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project …

A Review Of Smoking Among Rural African Americans: Recommendations For Research And Cessation Interventions, Susan Hedgecock, Anita Fernander

Journal of Health Disparities Research and Practice

Objective: The purpose of this review is to synthesize the available literature on smoking among rural African Americans.

Methods: Using search terms “rural” “African American” “Black” and “smoking” 19 relevant articles were identified in the Medline data base. Findings gleaned from the 19 articles are presented in four categories: a) smoking prevalence, b) smoking behavior and patterns, c) smoking cessation interventions and quitting, and d) smoking-related outcomes.

Results: There may be gender differences, a pattern of late onset of smoking, and a preference for mentholated brands among rural African American smokers. There is no evidence that rural African Americans are …

Differential Effects Of Race And Poverty On Ambulatory Care Sensitive Conditions, Farrukh B. Hakeem, Daniel L. Howard, Timothy S. Carey, Yhenneko J. Taylor

Journal of Health Disparities Research and Practice

This study is a continuation of an earlier study that examined hospitalization rates for ambulatory care sensitive (ACS) conditions, as a proxy for quality of care, and found evidence of a racial disparity among African American and White Medicare beneficiaries. The current study sought to determine whether neighborhood socioeconomic status (SES) explained this disparity. Differences in rates of ACS hospitalizations by race were assessed using Cochran-Mantel Haenszel tests and Poisson regression. Unadjusted rate ratios for ACS hospitalization for African Americans vs. Whites were found to be higher in low poverty areas (rate ratio (RR)=1.13; 95% CI (1.08, 1.17)) than in …

Recruitment Of African Americans For Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Treatment Research, Georgia Michalopoulou, Pamela Falzarano, David Rosenberg

Journal of Health Disparities Research and Practice

A systematic review of recruitment approaches was conducted as a step towards creating a culturally sensitive approach to enhance participation of African Americans into our Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) treatment research. From this review, a recruitment plan providing a collaborative partnership between the African American community and the clinical investigators was adopted. We sought to increase participation in OCD research by developing culturally sensitive educational materials, implementing strategies such as recruiter ethnic match, encouraging individuals to participate by a pastor, and providing education in the community that attempted to decrease stigmatization of mental illness and target cultural suspicion of institutional …

Walking Increases Among African American Adults Following A Community-Based Physical Activity Intervention: Racial And Ethnic Approaches To Community Health, 2002–2005, I. W. Miles, J. Kruger, Y. Liao, S. A. Carlson, J. E. Fulton

Journal of Health Disparities Research and Practice

Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health (REACH) 2010, a communitybased program, is a cornerstone of CDC’s efforts to eliminate racial and ethnic health disparities. Six African American REACH sites implemented walking interventions as part of their plans to decrease health disparities. We evaluated changes in walking using annual evaluation assessments (2002–2005) from the REACH 2010 Risk Factor Survey. Walking was classified 3 ways: (1) any walking (≥ 10 minutes per week); (2) regular walking (≥ 30 minutes each day, ≥ 5 days per week); and (3) median minutes of walking per week. Any walking increased from 68.3% in 2002 …

Perceptions Of Healthcare, Health Status, And Discrimination Among African-American Veterans, Nathaniel M. Rickles, Silvia Domínguez (1961-), Hortensia Amaro (1950-)

Silvia Domínguez

The Institute of Medicine identified access to healthcare and race-based discrimination as important barriers to quality healthcare that contributes to health disparities. This study (1) describes African-American veterans' perceptions of healthcare services and perceived discrimination in healthcare and (2) investigates the relationship between perceived discrimination and patient perceptions of care, satisfaction with healthcare, and health status. A convenience sample of 141 African-American veterans in Boston completed surveys from May to June 2006. Respondents reported an average of 16 lifetime experiences of discrimination and over half recalled a situation when they experienced discrimination in healthcare. Modest ratings of perceived quality of …

Perceptions Of Healthcare, Health Status, And Discrimination Among African-American Veterans, Nathaniel M. Rickles, Silvia Domínguez (1961-), Hortensia Amaro (1950-)

Nathaniel Rickles

The Institute of Medicine identified access to healthcare and race-based discrimination as important barriers to quality healthcare that contributes to health disparities. This study (1) describes African-American veterans' perceptions of healthcare services and perceived discrimination in healthcare and (2) investigates the relationship between perceived discrimination and patient perceptions of care, satisfaction with healthcare, and health status. A convenience sample of 141 African-American veterans in Boston completed surveys from May to June 2006. Respondents reported an average of 16 lifetime experiences of discrimination and over half recalled a situation when they experienced discrimination in healthcare. Modest ratings of perceived quality of …

Perceptions Of Healthcare, Health Status, And Discrimination Among African-American Veterans, Nathaniel M. Rickles, Silvia Domínguez (1961-), Hortensia Amaro (1950-)

Hortensia Amaro

The Institute of Medicine identified access to healthcare and race-based discrimination as important barriers to quality healthcare that contributes to health disparities. This study (1) describes African-American veterans' perceptions of healthcare services and perceived discrimination in healthcare and (2) investigates the relationship between perceived discrimination and patient perceptions of care, satisfaction with healthcare, and health status. A convenience sample of 141 African-American veterans in Boston completed surveys from May to June 2006. Respondents reported an average of 16 lifetime experiences of discrimination and over half recalled a situation when they experienced discrimination in healthcare. Modest ratings of perceived quality of …

Exploring The Impact Of Race On Mental Health Service Utilization Among African Americans And Whites With Severe Mental Illness, Michelle Hampton, Linda Chafetz, Mary White

Faculty Publications

BACKGROUND: Disparities among African Americans and Whites with severe mental illness have been identified in numerous studies. Yet it remains unknown if disparities are associated with race or other vulnerabilities common to this population. OBJECTIVES: This study used the Behavioral Model for Vulnerable Populations to examine mental health service utilization among 155 African Americans and Whites with severe mental illness for 12 months after discharge from a residential crisis program. DESIGN: This cross-sectional study was a secondary analysis of data from a randomized trial. RESULTS: Race did not emerge as a significant predictor of mental health service utilization. Factors associated …

Multiple Independent Genetic Factors At Nos1ap Modulate The Qt Interval In A Multi-Ethnic Population, Dan E. Arking, Amit Khera, Chao Xing, W H Linda Kao, Wendy Post, Eric Boerwinkle, Aravinda Chakravarti

Journal Articles

Extremes of electrocardiographic QT interval are associated with increased risk for sudden cardiac death (SCD); thus, identification and characterization of genetic variants that modulate QT interval may elucidate the underlying etiology of SCD. Previous studies have revealed an association between a common genetic variant in NOS1AP and QT interval in populations of European ancestry, but this finding has not been extended to other ethnic populations. We sought to characterize the effects of NOS1AP genetic variants on QT interval in the multi-ethnic population-based Dallas Heart Study (DHS, n = 3,072). The SNP most strongly associated with QT interval in previous samples …

Ua12/2/1 College Heights Herald, Vol. 77, No. 27, Wku Student Affairs

WKU Archives Records

WKU campus newspaper reporting campus, athletic and Bowling Green, Kentucky news.

• Hall, Rex. Western Suspends Fraternity – Sigma Alpha Epsilon
• Ragan, Jason. Behind the Muckrakers’ Music
• Hoang, Mai. Western Markets Credit Card to Students
• Lord, Joseph. Employees Complain of Mold in Tate Page Hall
• Enrollment Money Can Bring Teachers – University Senate
• Grady, Brian. Editorial Cartoon re: Teacher Relief
• Leslie Bedo Meeting Goals of Student Government Association, But Not Students’
• Ransdell, Troy. Action, Not Complaints – Student Government Association
• Cottrell, Lindsey. Cowgirls Not a Club – Equestrian Team
• Holm, Hollan. Student Government Association to Buy Presents for Potter Children’s Home …

Racism And Hiv/Aids Among African Americans : Dismantling One Addresses The Other, H. Timothy Ewing

Capstone Collection

Nationally, HIV/AIDS transmission rates are rising in African American communities while decreasing in white, gay communities where the disease has been the most devastating. Classism, homophobia, lack of cultural competency/sensitivity, distrust of health care providers, and racism are all social and cultural components which contribute to the spread of this pandemic. Racism has historically impacted the lives of African Americans in many different forms. Unfortunately, racism has also impacted the rate of HIV/AIDS transmission among African American. This project addresses the questions: Does personal, cultural, and institutional racism effect HIV/AIDS transmission among African American in Seattle-King County, and if so …

Ua12/2/1 College Heights Herald, Vol. 68, No. 38, Wku Student Affairs

WKU Archives Records

WKU campus newspaper reporting campus, athletic and Bowling Green, Kentucky news. This issue contains articles:

• Tungate, Matthew. Some Not Enthused by Bill Clinton Proposals – Politics
• Anna, Cara. Ralph Willard: Coach Appeals for Fan Support – Basketball
• Gagliardi, Melissa. Diddle Arena Beomcing Country Heaven – Concerts
• Broadbent, Stephanie. Safe Sex Can be Kinky & Erotic Speaker Says – Buck Harris, HIV, AIDS
• Howard Lindsey to be Arraigned Tomorrow
• Native American Lecture Coming – Hardin Planetarium
• Hofmann, Martin. Editorial Cartoon Rush Limbaugh
• Molley, Sean. Men Make Mistakes – Thomas Meredith
• Wheeler, Shayne. Prayers for President Thomas Meredith
• Zorn, William. Another Big …

Ua12/2/1 Magazine, Wku Student Affairs

WKU Archives Records

Special magazine edition of the College Heights Herald:

• Howard, Laura. Lessons in Patience – Patrick Petty, Panorama

Ua12/2/1 College Heights Herald, Vol. 66, No. 22, Wku Student Affairs

WKU Archives Records

WKU campus newspaper reporting campus, athletic and Bowling Green, Kentucky news. This issue contains articles:

• Phillips, Noelle. Council on Higher Education Says It Won’t Vote on Doctorate
• Vincent, Bruce. Alpha Gamma Rho Receives One-Year Probation
• Hoover, Amy. Adult Day Services Center Brings Light to Those in Dusk of Life
• Center Street Reopens Tomorrow
• Houchens, Gary & John Martin. Student Campaigning Ending
• Yates, Lauren. AIDS Sufferers Remembered
• Bradley, Jim. Editorial Cartoon – Athletics Budget
• Athletics Needs Money Manager
• McGovern, Matthew. Comments Self-Righteous
• Kuehn, Kenneth. Faculty Salaries Clarified
• Schlicht, Patricia. Letter Offensive
• McCrady, David. Association of Resident Assistants Thanks Staff
• Tatum, Doug. …

Ua12/2/1 College Heights Herald, Vol. 65, No. 34, Wku Student Affairs

WKU Archives Records

WKU campus newspaper reporting campus, athletic and Bowling Green, Kentucky news. This issue contains articles:

• Poynter, Chris. Pearce-Ford Tower Dwellers Asking for Breath of Fresh Air
• Howard, Laura. Still Here, Paul Cook’s Duties Mount
• Lockert, Anya. Officials Blame ’83 Act for Low Ratio of Blacks – Desegregation Plan
• Regents Ask for Students’ Opinions
• Bricking, Tanya. More Cooks to Stir Recipe for Budget – Thomas Meredith
• Committee Will Study Athletic Reports
• Rubber Ducky Business Has Holiday Boom
• Wessling, Susan. Group Works to Ban Public Smoking
• Students Need AIDS Education
• Chattin, John. Editorial Cartoon – AIDS Skeleton
• Bright Ideas Projecting New Image …

Ua12/2/1 College Heights Herald, Vol. 65, No. 33, Wku Student Affairs

WKU Archives Records

WKU campus newspaper reporting campus, athletic and Bowling Green, Kentucky news. This issue contains articles:

• Jones, Angie. Students Warned AIDS Will Be Here
• Poynter, Chris. Therapist Wilson Whitehead Shows Clients How to Relax
• Summers, Kaye. Physical Plant, Faculty Senate Protest Insurance Plan
• Bricking, Tanya. New Ideas for Efficiency Committee Will Pay for Bright Ideas
• Gifts to Western Exceed $6 Million
• Tenure Hearing Set for Weekend – Gabe Buntzman
• Deaf Can Communicate with Legislators
• Two Students Arrested on Assault Charges
• Search Committees Need Efficiency
• Chattin, John. Editorial Cartoon – Big Red Searching
• Black, Sam. Ku Klux Klan Protestor Questions Motives
• McMahon, …

Ua12/2/1 College Heights Herald, Vol. 65, No. 32, Wku Student Affairs

WKU Archives Records

WKU campus newspaper reporting campus, athletic and Bowling Green, Kentucky news. This issue contains articles:

• Bricking, Tanya. Wallace Wilkinson Scores with College Plan
• Lockert, Anya. 300 Pay Homage to Fallen Leader Martin Luther King
• Howard, Laura. Higher Education Funding Depends on Tax Bill
• Black, Sam. Surge in Auto Break-Ins Inflates Campus Crime Numbers
• Wessling, Susan. Five Department Heads Resign
• AIDS Presentation to be Held Monday
• Thomas Meredith to Work for the Arts
• Associated Student Government Changes WKU Glasgow Constitution
• Ausenbaugh, Laura. Non-Traditional Students to Get Scholarships
• Wallace Wilkinson Getting Priorities Straight
• Chattin, John. Editorial Cartoon – Governor in Troubled Waters …

Ua12/2/1 College Heights Herald, Vol. 65, No. 19, Wku Student Affairs

WKU Archives Records

WKU campus newspaper reporting campus, athletic and Bowling Green, Kentucky news. This issue contains articles:

• Hernes, Thomas. Officials Seek Gift for Recreation Center – Preston Health & Activities Center
• Lawson, Jamie. Graduate Ron Jerrell Tells 400 His Story of AIDS
• Summers, Kaye & Allison Tutt. Hilltopper Athletic Foundation Raises Support, $660,000
• Summers, Kaye & Allison Tutt. Students, School Lend Services to Athletics
• Eugene Evans to Outline Goals at Open Forum
• Potter Lot Closed Until Tomorrow
• University Logo to be Unveiled Today
• Kinslow, Gina. Central Women Get Tucked In – Minton Hall, Barnes-Campbell Hall
• Green, Travis. Associated Student Government Wants AIDS …

Ua12/2/1 Magazine, Wku Student Affairs

WKU Archives Records

Special magazine edition of the College Heights Herald.

• Eagleston, Leigh. The Christian Soldier’s Story – John & Sandy Snelson, Salvation Army
• Jessie, Lisa. Riding the Rails of Train History – James Brown, L&N Railroad Depot
• Carter, Darla. Adults Learn to Catch Up at Adult Learning Center
• Tradition, Discipline Salvation Army’s Root
• Schlagenhauf, Ann. Families Feel Alzheimer’s Effects – James Sacrey, Adult Day Care

Lead Poisoning: A Health Epidemic In The Black Community, Wornie L. Reed

Trotter Review

Lead poisoning in humans has been identified as a cause of high blood pressure, heart disease, birth defects, complications in pregnancies and developmental problems in infants. It is a health problem of epidemic dimensions in the black community. This serious health problem is yet another example of the production of “illth” in the modern society. As the means of production create wealth for some sectors of society they also create illth.

Ua12/2/1 Magazine, Wku Student Affairs

WKU Archives Records

Special edition of the College Heights Herald, includes articles:

• Klausnitzer, Dorren. Some Gays Casual About Deadly Disease – AIDS
• Eagleston, Leigh. The Amish: A Look Inside an Older World
• Malmer, Victoria. Student Mother – Deborah Terry
• Duff, Jill & Todd Pack. Western’s Success Stories – Russell Dougherty, Mitchell Payne, William Meacham, John Stewart, Harry Gray
• Grad Invests in Beauty – James Marshall

Ua37/30/2 Wku Research Notecards - H Topics, Lowell Harrison

Faculty/Staff Personal Papers

Notecards created by Lowell Harrison while researching his book Western Kentucky University. The cards transcribed are for 108 topics beginning with H ranging from Hail Storm to Hundred Club.