African American Women Research Articles

The Buddy System: African American Women with Self-Reported Hypertension and Their Experiences in a Peer (Dyadic) Support Intervention

INTRODUCTION: Hypertension is the leading modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and it disproportionately affects African American women, who face increased risks of heart disease, kidney disease, and stroke. The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet effectively reduces blood pressure, but African American women often face challenges with adhering to it. Peer support, a proven mechanism for improving health behaviors through social connections and community resources, may help these women better manage their diet and hypertension. This qualitative study explored the experiences of African American women participating in an eight-week peer (dyadic) support intervention to improve DASH diet adherence and lowering systolic blood pressure, with an emphasis on understanding the dyadic relationship. METHODS: A purposive sample of 40 African American women (20 dyads) was recruited for five focus groups that were conducted both online and in person. Content analysis was used to identify themes related to the nature and quality of peer interactions and relationships from the perspectives of the 34 women who completed the intervention (Mean age = 71.38 years; SD = 8.38). RESULTS: Four subthemes emerged: emotional support, shared experiences, informational/inspirational support, and accountability. The participants reported forming strong, supportive relationships that were crucial in improving diet and blood pressure management. CONCLUSION: This study underscores the benefits of peer support in managing hypertension among older African American women, suggesting the need for future randomized controlled trials to examine the effectiveness of the DASH diet with and without peer support.

Invited commentary: "Neighborhood eviction trajectories and odds of moderate and serious psychological distress during pregnancy among African American women".

Invited commentary: "Neighborhood eviction trajectories and odds of moderate and serious psychological distress during pregnancy among African American women".

Racial Discrimination, Religious Coping, and Cardiovascular Disease Risk Among African American Women and Men.

This cross-sectional study examined whether religious coping buffered the associations between racial discrimination and several modifiable cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors-systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), body mass index (BMI), and cholesterol-in a sample of African American women and men. Participant data were taken from the Healthy Aging in Neighborhoods of Diversity Across the Life Span study (N = 815; 55.2% women; 30-64years old). Racial discrimination and religious coping were self-reported. CVD risk factors were clinically assessed. In sex-stratified hierarchical regression analyses adjusted for age, socioeconomic status, and medication use, findings revealed several significant interactive associationsand opposite effects by sex. Among men who experiencedracial discrimination, religious coping was negatively related to systolic BP and HbA1c. However, in men reporting no prior discrimination, religious coping was positively related to most risk factors. Among women who had experienced racialdiscrimination, greater religious coping was associated with higher HbA1c and BMI. The lowest levels of CVD risk were observed among women who seldom used religious coping but experienced discrimination. Religious coping might mitigate the effects of racial discrimination on CVD risk for African American men butnot women. Additional work is needed to understand whether reinforcing these coping strategies only benefits those who have experienced discrimination. It is also possible that religion may not buffer the effects of other psychosocial stressors linked with elevated CVD risk.

Maternal peripheral blood telomere length and preterm birth in African American women: a pilot study.

This study aimed to explore the association between preterm birth and telomere length of maternal peripheral blood in African American women. 78 African American women were recruited for this study between 2018 and 2023 from 2 prenatal clinics in central and east Texas. Participants provided blood samples and completed clinic questionnaires, with clinical data collected from their post-delivery medical records. Telomere length was measured using monochrome multiplex quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Linear regression and multinomial logistic regression were used to analyze the association between telomere length and gestational length. Kruskal-Wallis's test and Fisher's exact test were used to compare preterm birth, early-term birth and full-term birth by telomere length, social-demographic characteristics, stress and discrimination. The rates of preterm birth was higher in pregnant women with shorter telomeres. After adjusting for confounders, for every 10-units increase in the relative telomere-to-single-copy gene (T/S) ratio, gestational days increased by 1.090 days (90% CI 0.182, 1.997), and for every 10-units decrease in the T/S ratio, the odds of preterm birth was 2.664 (90% CI 1.064, 6.673) times greater than the odds of full-term birth. No statistically significant associations were observed between stress, discrimination, and either preterm birth or telomere length. Maternal peripheral blood telomere shortening is associated with preterm birth, providing support to further explore the clinical utility of maternal telomere testing for prediction and early intervention of preterm birth and the study of biological mechanisms of spontaneous preterm birth.

Does stress from incarceration of family and friends contribute to signs of early vascular ageing in African American women?

BackgroundEarly vascular ageing (EVA) contributes to elevated risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), which disproportionately affects African American women. Incarceration, an event disproportionately impacting African Americans, may be a stressor contributing...

Alice Dunbar-Nelson’s 1915 Pennsylvania Suffrage Speaking Tour Scrapbook

ABSTRACT In 1915 woman’s suffrage was on the ballot in Pennsylvania. State suffrage organizations mounted a vibrant campaign using a variety of strategies in support of enfranchising the women of the Keystone State. Speakers played a central role in this campaign, including a four-month lecture tour by African American author and educator, Alice Dunbar-Nelson. She kept a scrapbook of her tour that reveals her recognition of its historical significance. Her scrapbook also highlights the role of African American women who worked toward the goal of voting rights for all in Pennsylvania. Finally, it illuminates the strategies used by Pennsylvania suffrage leaders. While the men of the state voted down the suffrage referendum in 1915, the hard work of suffragists, including Dunbar-Nelson and other African Americans, paid off four years later when Pennsylvania became the seventh state to ratify the nineteenth amendment to the US Constitution on June 24, 1919.

The relationship between Live Births and CVD among African American Women in Jackson Heart Study

The relationship between Live Births and CVD among African American Women in Jackson Heart Study

Initiation and outcomes of women pursuing planned fertility preservation

To study cycle outcomes of women who choose to pursue oocyte cryopreservation, using published age-specific oocyte recommendations. Retrospective cohort. Clinic. A total of 5,915 patients seeking planned oocyte cryopreservation, 3,504 ultimately underwent ovarian stimulation with oocyte retrieval and cryopreservation, 425 of this cohort subsequently thawed with intent to use embryo transfer. Planned oocyte cryopreservation. Planned oocyte cryopreservation consultation, fertility preservation cycle(s) and ovarian stimulation outcomes. A total of 5,915 women were seen in the initial consultation for planned fertility preservation (2012-2022). Ethnicity and the highest level of education were significant in predicting who would move forward with oocyte stimulation for fertility preservation. Women who reported working within the law and public policy and in the fields of health and medicine were statistically more likely to proceed with a cycle than those who listed other occupations. Of 3,504 women in the study cohort who underwent ovarian stimulation and egg retrieval, 1,331 (38.0%) achieved the age-based recommended number of oocytes to freeze. Only 57 (4.3%) of these women who met their age-based oocyte goal did so after their initial cryopreservation cycle. There was a significant association between ethnicity and number of cryopreservation cycles, specifically showing that Black or African American women were less likely to complete two or more cycles. Patients whose education background included graduate or professional degrees were more likely to have completed more than one cycle. Self-identified ethnicity was significantly associated with the odds of moving forward with oocyte stimulation for fertility preservation and egg retrieval after initial consultation with ethnic minorities significantly less likely to continue treatment. Of those who undergo egg freezing, most women pursue more than one stimulation and cryopreservation cycle, yet the majority never meet their recommended number to freeze.

A Review of <em>Dramatic Movement of African American Women: The Intersections of Race, Gender, and Class</em>

Garrison Paige reviews Yuvraj Nimbaji Herode's new book, Dramatic Movement of African American Women: The Intersections of Race, Gender, and Class from Anthem Press.

Knowledge of the Human Papillomavirus Vaccine and Willingness to Accept Vaccination in the Postpartum Period.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines prevent cervical cancer. The inpatient postpartum period presents a unique window for vaccination. Our study investigates HPV vaccine knowledge, barriers to vaccination, and willingness to get vaccinated during inpatient postpartum care. We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 147 participants, age 18 to 26, who delivered at our institution between November 1, 2019, and April 30, 2020. Participants completed a questionnaire that included demographics, vaccine knowledge, hesitancies, and willingness to vaccinate. We used descriptive statistics and compared groups with chi-square or Wilcoxon rank sum for categorical variables and t-test for continuous variables. Of the 147 patients, 58 (39.46%) were fully vaccinated against HPV and 89 (60.54%) of participants were unvaccinated or partially vaccinated. There was a greater proportion of African American and Asian participants among unvaccinated women (28.1% vs 20.7% and 16.9% vs 1.7%, respectively). Most unvaccinated participants (52.9%) were willing to get vaccinated in the postpartum unit. Both vaccinated and unvaccinated groups were similarly aware that the HPV vaccine prevents cervical and oropharyngeal cancers and genital warts. The top barrier to future vaccination was forgetting to complete the vaccination series. Most women were not fully vaccinated but were willing to receive their first dose while in the postpartum unit. African American women were less likely to be vaccinated and expressed more unwillingness to accept vaccination. We identified barriers to HPV vaccination that can be tackled with the initiation of inpatient postpartum vaccination.

Health for Hearts United Longitudinal Trial: Improving Perceived Stress and Allostatic Load Outcomes of Mid-Life and Older African American Women.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) continues to be the leading cause of death in the United States, with African Americans experiencing higher age-adjusted mortality compared to Whites. African American women in particular carry a high CVD burden due to more exposure to adverse personal and socioenvironmental challenges. Church-based interventions can improve health behaviors and health status of African Americans, yet few have addressed stress-related health. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of the 18-month Health for Hearts United intervention in relation to stress-related outcomes (perceived stress, allostatic load) of mid-life and older African American women (≥45 years of age; n = 152 overall sample, n = 65 clinical subsample). The results of the repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) analyses showed overall significant decreases in perceived stress and allostatic load for both treatment and comparison groups over the measurement occasions (baseline and 18 months) with educational level remaining as a significant correlate over time. There was no significant interaction between treatment and time, yet there were trends in improvements for the treatment group compared to the comparison group. The findings demonstrate the potential of church-based interventions in reducing both self-reported stress and allostatic load in African American women, and highlight the need for further investigation of educational level and other possible factors influencing stress management in these settings.

Spirituality, Self-Efficacy, and Medication Use in African American Women with Hypertension: Beyond the Prescriptions.

Objective: This study aimed to determine the relationship between spiritual, religious, and existential well-being and self-efficacy for appropriate medication use in African American women with hypertension. Methods: In this study, we conducted cross-sectional correlations using linear regression analysis. An African American sample of women from across the United States with hypertension was chosen through a purposive sampling technique. An online survey was used. Results: There were 186 African American women with hypertension who took part in the study, with an average age of 57.15 (SD = 12.79) years. The study found significant correlations between spiritual (p = .022), religious (p = .033), and existential (p = .021) well-being and self-efficacy for appropriate medication use in African American women with hypertension. The study concluded that no women reported high spiritual, religious, or existential well-being, only moderate. Nor were they very confident that they would take their medications under changing or challenging circumstances. Conclusion: African American women are the most religious aggregate in the United States, and there is evidence that spiritual, religious, and existential well-being affects their self-efficacy for appropriate medication use. Clinicians and researchers must collaborate to enhance medication adherence through continuous education, assessment, and reinforcement while also attuning their practice to spiritual, religious, and existential well-being effects on self-efficacy for appropriate medication use in African American women.

Risk factors for breast cancer subtypes by race and ethnicity: A scoping review.

Breast cancer is comprised of distinct molecular subtypes. Studies have reported differences in risk factor associations with breast cancer subtypes, especially by tumor estrogen receptor (ER) status, but their consistency across racial and ethnic populations has not been comprehensively evaluated. We conducted a qualitative, scoping literature review using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis, extension for Scoping Reviews to investigate consistencies in associations between 18 breast cancer risk factors (reproductive, anthropometric, lifestyle, and medical history) and risk of ER-defined subtypes in women who self-identify as Asian, Black or African American, Hispanic or Latina, or White. We reviewed publications between January 1, 1990 and July 1, 2022. Etiologic heterogeneity evidence (convincing, suggestive, none, or inconclusive) was determined by expert consensus. Publications per risk factor ranged from 14 (benign breast disease history) to 66 (parity). Publications were most abundant for White women, followed by Asian, Black or African American, and Hispanic or Latina women. Etiologic heterogeneity evidence was strongest for parity, followed by age at first birth, post-menopausal BMI, oral contraceptive use, and estrogen-only and combined menopausal hormone therapy. Evidence was limited for other risk factors. Findings were consistent across racial and ethnic groups, although the strength of evidence varied. The literature supports etiologic heterogeneity by ER for some established risk factors that are consistent across race and ethnicity groups. However, in non-White populations evidence is limited. Larger, more comparable data in diverse populations is needed to better characterize breast cancer etiologic heterogeneity.

African American Fathers as a Solution to the Maternal Health Crisis

ABSTRACT The research is limited to the role of African American (AA) fathers in maternal health. African American fathers are largely not included in perinatal care, and their contribution may be essential in addressing the Black maternal health disparity crisis. The purpose of this conceptual paper is to examine the evidence of African American fathers involvement in supporting maternal health during the perinatal period. This conceptual paper will summarize research findings and will focus on 1) the evolution of the concept of fatherhood and the role of African American fathers; 2) the extent of African American fathers engagement during the perinatal period; and 3) the potential for African American fathers to play a key role in improving maternal health. Findings from this paper will enhance the evidence base on fathers’ involvement in maternal health, highlight the research gaps, and opportunities to focus on African American fathers in addressing maternal morbidity and mortality among African American women.

Beyond Triple-Negative: High Prevalence of Quadruple-Negative Breast Cancer in African Americans.

Quadruple-negative breast cancer (QNBC) is a triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) subtype that lacks expression of the androgen (AR) receptor. Few studies have focused on this highly aggressive breast cancer, portending worse survival rates. We aimed to determine the following: (1) QNBC's molecular and clinical characteristics and compare them with other subtypes and (2) QNBC's association with clinicopathological factors and prognostic markers. We performed immunohistochemical evaluations of ARs on tissue tumor microarrays from FFPE tumor blocks of invasive ductal breast carcinomas in 202 African American women. Univariate analysis was performed using the chi-square test, with survival rates calculated using Kaplan-Meier curves. Overall, 75.8% of TNBCs were AR-negative. Compared to the luminal subtypes, TNBC and QNBC tumors were likely to be a higher grade (p < 0.001); HER2+/AR- and QNBCs were also larger than the other subtypes (p < 0.001). They also expressed increasing mean levels of proteins involved in invasion, such as CD44, fascin, and vimentin, as well as decreasing the expression of proteins involved in mammary differentiation, such as GATA3 and mammaglobin. We found no association between QNBC and stage, recurrence-free survival, or overall survival rates. The high prevalence of TNBC AR-negativity in these women could explain observed worse outcomes, supporting the existence of the unique QNBC subtype.

Exploring the Cyberpsychology of Social Media Addiction and Public Health Risks among Black American Women in the USA

This study is a pioneering effort to address the under-researched intersection of Black American women, social media addiction, and associated health risks due to their significant engagement with these platforms. It delves into aspects of cyberpsychology concerning how social media serves as a tool for empowerment among Black women, yet simultaneously poses risks of addiction and potential public health consequences. By drawing on established addiction theories, frameworks, and a thorough review of existing literature, this research offers a critical analysis of a demographic that has been traditionally overlooked in scholarly discourse. The article analyses the risks associated with social media and the specifics of their manifestation during the COVID-19 pandemic. It identifies the forms of social media addiction. The paper examines the problem from the perspective of various scientific theories and research schools. In particular, that deals with the theory of social comparison, the theory of symbolic interactionism, the theory of positive reinforcement, the theory of behavioural dependence, the theory of operant conditioning, the theory of attachment, the theory of social construction of technologies (SCOT), the health belief model (HBM). Also, it concerns concepts that study addiction to social networks due to the need for attention and fear of missing out (FOMO) through the analysis of reflective and impulsive cognitive processes and the reward deficiency syndrome (RDS). The main signs of psychological dependence on social networks are identified, including excessive time on the Internet, constant checking, neglect of duties, lack of sleep, social isolation, mood swings, comparison and envy, unsuccessful attempts to reduce online time, negative impact on well-being, secrecy, or defensiveness. Based on the inquiry’s results, several recommendations have been developed to reduce psychological dependence on social media, specifically for black American women, namely digital literacy, prevention, and intervention. Cognitive behavioural therapy, support groups, mobile health apps, etc. are discussed as well.

A pilot study of Keto Prescribed+: A healthy thinking and eating educational program for African American women.

African American (AA) women have the highest prevalence of obesity in addition to health disparities in preventable diet-related diseases (i.e., diabetes, hypertension), which places them at increased risk for cardiovascular disease. The purpose of this pilot study was to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of the Keto Prescribed+ (KetoRx+) program on associated physical and psychosocial outcomes among this population. The KetoRx+ program is a healthy eating and thinking educational intervention. The program combined online and in-person community group sessions over 8 weeks. The Keto Prescribed+ was found to be feasible and acceptable with comments on ways to increase acceptability from participants completing program (n = 10). Physical outcomes changed showed an average decrease in weight of 10lbs (SD = 5), baseline average 226lbs. Waist-to-hip ratio and systolic blood pressure also trended down. Psychosocial outcomes showed improvement trends. The KetoRx+ program is feasible and acceptable for overweight or obese AA women. Preliminary efficacy was established for most physical and psychosocial outcomes. However, more research is needed to identify specific program components contributing to healthy lifestyle behavior change and to establish program efficacy and effectiveness. Culturally adapted community-based biopsychosocial interventions using ketogenic nutrition therapy may help improve cardiovascular health of adult AA women.

A Low- (vs High-) Glycemic Diet Promotes Greater Loss of Body Fat in African American Women With Low Insulin Sensitivity

A Low- (vs High-) Glycemic Diet Promotes Greater Loss of Body Fat in African American Women With Low Insulin Sensitivity

Interpreting 2 Peter through African American Women’s Moral Writings by Shively T. J. Smith (review)

Interpreting 2 Peter through African American Women’s Moral Writings by Shively T. J. Smith (review)

Young Black American Women’s Social Media Use and Online Victimization

Despite young Black women’s high rates of social media use and risks for victimization at the nexus of sexism and racism, the relationship between these variables remains under researched in this segment. We surveyed 354 Black American women aged 18–30 to explore the associations between two aspects of social media use—time spent daily on social media platforms (i.e., Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, Tumblr, Twitter, and YouTube) and type of social media engagement (i.e., active social use, active non-social use, and passive use)—with four different types of online victimization (i.e., general online victimization [GOV], online sexual victimization [OSV], online individual racial victimization [OIRV], and online vicarious racial victimization [OVRV]). Results indicate that more time spent daily on Tumblr was significantly associated with more experiences of GOV, OSV, and OIRV. More time spent daily on Instagram was significantly associated with more experiences of OVRV, while more time spent daily on Facebook was significantly associated with fewer experiences of OVRV. Active non-social use was significantly associated with more experiences of GOV and OIRV. Snapchat, TikTok, Twitter, and YouTube use, active social use, and passive use were not significantly associated with any categories of online victimization. We provide implications for researchers as well as mental and behavioral health practitioners seeking to enhance Black women’s safety and well-being on social media platforms.