African American Community Research Articles

GEOGRAPHIC AND DEMOGRAPHIC PREDICTORS OF SELF-RATED HEALTH IN OLDER RURAL AFRICAN AMERICANS

Abstract Person-Environment (P-E) fit is a major tenet of environmental gerontology and can predict aspects of physical and mental health. Rural older adults may vary greatly in their P-E fit, but their in-group differences have yet to be explored. The current study examines predictors of self-rated health in middle and older adult African Americans in rural Mississippi. Predictors of self-rated health examined included distance from grocery store, age, education, and income. Participants were 47 African Americans (20 males) over 50 (M = 65.2) who were recruited from two rural, adjacent Mississippi Counties and lived at least five miles outside of a micropolitan town. Consistent with literature on health disparities in African American communities, participants on average rated their health as average to low. Results from a multiple regression model indicate that education and distance to grocery stores are significant predictors of subjective health, where more education and being further from a grocery store predicted higher self-rated health. It appears that within this sample, the further from a grocery store they were, the better the P-E fit. This may be due to an increase in gardening or farming, increased necessity for physical activity, or other aspects of this environment that promote healthy behaviors, despite being further from resources. Future research should continue to pursue aspects that add to P-E fit in rural older adults.

LONGEVITY DETERMINANTS IN AFRICAN AMERICANS: AN INTRA-GROUP ANALYSIS FROM THE HEALTH AND RETIREMENT STUDY

Abstract Utilizing the Health and Retirement Study data, this research exclusively centered on a sample of 2953 African-American participants to discern longevity predictors, emphasizing the importance of intra-group analysis. This targeted approach is essential as it provides a nuanced understanding of factors affecting longevity within a specific demographic group, avoiding broad generalizations derived from diverse populations. Two analytical models were developed in Mplus. The initial fully saturated model was subsequently trimmed to exclude non-significant paths. Key findings include: Education showed a positive correlation with cognition and a negative association with subjective health. Age had a negative impact on cognition and on subjective health. Depression was negatively associated with cognition and subjective health, and positively with age. Notably, age at death was majorly influenced by age, with subjective health, cognition, and education also playing significant roles. The model demonstrated an exemplary fit with Chi^2 (df=2) = 3.12, RMSEA = .01, and CFI = 1.0. Ultimately, age was identified as the primary predictor of age at death. Moreover, subjective health, education, and cognitive abilities emerged as vital contributors to longevity among African Americans. In essence, this study, with its focus on African Americans, underscores the profound importance of demographic-centric research, charting a path for custom-made interventions that resonate deeply with the African-American community’s inherent health dynamics.

CHANGES IN MULTIMORBIDITY AMONG HOSPITALIZED ADULTS IN THE US

Abstract Having multiple chronic health conditions, or multimorbidity, is common among adult inpatients and is associated with risk of death, disability, and reduced quality of life. This investigation examines prevalence trends of multimorbidity over time among inpatients based on age, sex, and race and assesses hospitalization rates for individual diseases over time. Retrospective cross-sectional analysis of 2012-2018 US National Inpatient Sample datasets was completed. Participants were hospitalized patients ≥55y from community hospitals. ICD-9 and 10 codes for admitting diagnoses were used to calculate disease burden using the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) and Elixhauser Comorbidity Index (ECI). Unweighted mean index scores and admission rates for diseases were compared. Mean age for the sample was 72y, and inpatients were mostly female (53%) and White (77%). The mean comorbidity scores increased across the sample: mean CCI increased from 1.69 to 1.97 and mean ECI increased from 3.66 to 4.14. Comorbidity scores were higher over time with increasing age until about age 80-84 (for CCI) and age 85-89 (for ECI) and increased similarly among males and females. Black and Native American inpatients had the largest increase in mean CCI and ECI scores. Comorbidities with increased hospitalization rates included congestive heart failure (+5%), dementia (+6%), complicated diabetes (+14%), complicated hypertension (+17%), renal disease/failure (+5%), and obesity (+5%). Growing disease burden among inpatients supports the continued need for programs aiming to prevent and treat chronic diseases and multimorbidity, especially among underrepresented populations including Black and Native American communities.

NOT KNOWING OTHER AFRICAN AMERICAN BEREAVED DEMENTIA CAREGIVERS: SEMISTRUCTURED INTERVIEW RESULTS

Abstract Semi-structured interviews focused on African American bereaved dementia caregivers and the individual who may serve them in the Twin Cities of Minnesota. The four questions that drove these interviews were linear in nature: 1. What needs exist among African American bereaved dementia caregivers in the Twin Cities? 2. What services exist to help these individuals meet their needs? 3. If unmet needs exist, would the group support model meet those needs? and, 4. If this model is promising, what adaptations might it need to best serve African American bereaved dementia caregivers? Interviews showed that needs exist at points before and after caregiving ends to increase education and destigmatize dementia in African American communities to facilitate understanding, acceptance, and validation during and after caregiving. Support from those who have gone through similar situations is increasingly important both during and after dementia caregiving, but identifying those in similar situations is difficult (few could identify any other African American Bereaved Dementia Caregivers besides themselves). While a culturally specific support group model was of interest to some to create a feeling of comfort, others emphasized that the main importance was a bonding over shared experiences, regardless of cultural background. A former dementia caregiver support group might be held in various locations and hosted by varying individuals, including at a church, hair salon, or even a grocery store. Overall, it was seen as important for there to be a specific meaning, purpose, and goals for a group of African American former dementia caregivers.

BUILDING THE COLLABORATIVE COMMUNITY-ACADEMIC TEAM, DESIGNING OBJECTIVES, AND GETTING FUNDED

Abstract Having attended the Former Dementia Caregiver Re-Entry Initiative since 2019, its benefits were readily apparent but two limitations were identified: 1) two facilitators (i.e., Wolfe and Fairbanks) cannot serve the millions of Bereaved Dementia Caregivers in the US alone and 2) members have primarily been non-Hispanic White. These realizations inspired efforts to bring the group to more Bereaved Dementia Caregivers. The present community-created model of helping Bereaved Dementia Caregivers deserved community-integrated leadership if that model was to be effectively adapted and disseminated. Our team’s ambition is to bring the group to racially and ethnically minoritized Bereaved Dementia Caregivers, broadly. However, we felt that we could most effectively do this in stages. Rather than trying to figure out how to make the model fit for all people, we homed in on African Americans, with whom we had many local ties. We also took a step back (at the behest of Ms. Frazier) to not only ask about how to adapt the model for a need we assumed existed, but also to explore the strengths of African American communities and ask if unmet needs existed. This model had the benefits of intellectual humility, respect for the persons we were working with, and strengthened the value of our funded research (i.e., even if we found there weren’t unmet needs, we would be able to learn of strengths that we might be able to share with other communities who do have unmet needs).

News Coping and Resistance: An Examination of Entertainment as Self-Care in the Digital Black Press

ABSTRACT Scholarship on the mainstream press in the United States has argued that in the new media age, consumers prefer entertainment while journalists prefer hard news—yet digital Black press journalists and readers value both types of content. In the Black press, entertainment is produced and consumed as an alternative to mainstream media's often unfavorable hard news coverage of African Americans. The race-based trauma that African Americans experience through news consumption can negatively impact mental health and cause news avoidance, but some are resisting this by creating spaces for Black joy online. This research uses interviews with journalists and focus groups with readers to investigate the utility of entertainment news content in the Black press. I find that entertainment in the digital Black press contributes to positive and comprehensive coverage of the African American community, gives consumers a means to cope with or protect themselves from reading traumatic news coverage on topics such as Black Lives Matter, and can act as a form of self-care. I conclude that digital Black press entertainment content can counteract communal stress for African Americans who may experience high levels of news-related anxiety.

Hyperarousal PTSD and Alcohol Abuse: Inequitable Treatment and Impact of Substance Use Among African American Women

Throughout history Black women have consistently been underrepresented in almost every aspect of society. This article examines the intersection of race, class, gender, and social systems as they relate to hyperarousal post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and alcohol abuse. Although there is an abundance of literature regarding substance abuse in America, it has been reiterated in previous research that substance abuse in the African American community is severely understudied, with special regard to the misunderstanding of substance use among Black women. Drawing on the Angry Black Woman (ABW) archetype, I analyze historical and current social structures that render Black women especially susceptible to an underdeveloped window of tolerance for stress. The aim of this article is not only to contribute to the lacking body of research for this group, but also to suggest that hyperarousal PTSD serves as a direct determinant for alcohol abuse in African American women.

Significance of the 2022 United States midterm elections for the African American community

The article is devoted to the study of the factor of black voters and politicians in the 2022 US midterm elections and their significance for the African American community as a whole. The paper examines the main reasons that contributed to the fall of Joe Biden's rating among the black population in the first two years of his presidency, as well as the measures taken by the White House administration to overcome this negative trend. The author of the article also touches on the topic of further strengthening the attention of the Republican and Democratic parties to the African American electorate during the 2022 election campaign. Finally, the study examines the results of the past congressional elections for the African American community, related to the assessment of the turnout of black voters, their electoral preferences, as well as the results of the performance of African American candidates.

At home in Harlem: The politics of domesticity in Faith Ringgold's The Bitter Nest

The Bitter Nest, a sequence of five large-scale story quilts created in 1988 by Faith Ringgold (American, b. 1930), probes the dynamics of an imagined Black middle-class family, their home in Harlem, and the connections they forge within it. Originally conceived as a performance piece, the quilted series likewise expands on its themes of home, family, mother-daughter relations, and Black female creativity. Bringing together storytelling and quilting traditions prominent in the artist's family, the African American community, and across the African diaspora, The Bitter Nest extends the concept of home to encompass Harlem itself, connecting its residents and neighbourhoods across multiple generations. Celebrated as a visual artist, author, educator, and lifelong advocate for social justice, Faith Ringgold, is among the most influential cultural figures of her generation. While major exhibitions showcasing the scope of her achievements have recently generated a welcome outpouring of new scholarship, The Bitter Nest remains surprisingly overlooked in literature on the artist. In examining the series' representation of the politics of domesticity, home, and family, this article aims to remedy this oversight as it expands the scope of critical discourse on the work of a major American artist, and directs renewed attention to Ringgold's powerful reimagining of the Black home and family in this series and throughout her oeuvre. Drawing on the artist's commentary on The Bitter Nest and related topics, the visual evidence of the quilts, and late twentieth-century and more recent feminist theory, this essay provides a foundation for further research into The Bitter Nest and its many contributions to the evolving story of Black women and families in America.

Abstract A050: Faith-based messaging and materials for colorectal cancer screening in the African Methodist Episcopal church

Abstract Introduction: Religion plays a significant role in Black and African American communities, yet little is known about ways to incorporate faith into colorectal cancer (CRC) screening messages and how to distribute such messages to the congregation and community. Brief description of pertinent experimental procedures: We collaborated with members of the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) church in Atlanta, Georgia to create culturally appropriate and locally relevant faith-based CRC screening messages and materials. We used a modified boot camp translation (BCT) approach to obtain input from AME congregants to 1) develop faith-based CRC screening messages that resonate with the AME community and 2) identify the role of the church in bringing CRC information to the AME community. Messages were developed using market-tested CRC screening messaging from the National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable (NCCRT) as a starting point. Eligible participants were members from six churches within the AME Atlanta East District, ages 45 to 75 years, and willing to participate in one 5-hour in-person meeting and two follow-up video-conferencing calls. The in-person session consisted of expert presentations by a national leader on CRC and screening, a local leader well-versed in barriers to screening and community resources, and a prominent figure within the church clergy. Interactive small group sessions were also part of the in-person meeting and focused on developing CRC screening messages and identifying dissemination channels. Follow-up virtual sessions (one-hour each) were conducted to solicit feedback from participants on the materials created (e.g., fact sheets, pamphlets, message cards). Summary of new, unpublished data: A total of twenty-seven adults participated in the in-person session (17 women and 10 men) and 12-13 of these individuals attended the virtual follow-up sessions. Based on input obtained, the research team developed CRC screening messages that 1) incorporated faith-based concepts into health messaging, 2) sought to raise CRC awareness and knowledge through personal connections, or 3) empowered individuals to take control of their colorectal health through the strength of their community. Messages included: “Faith over fear! Get screened for colorectal cancer today;” “Honor God by taking care of your body.” “Share your cancer story. It can save lives.” “You are not alone. We are in this together.” Participants identified the following preferred dissemination methods/channels: print materials (e.g., flyers, pamphlets, message cards) and digital materials (e.g., videos) shown during Sunday service. Additional channels included cancer awareness events and social media platforms. Conclusion: Churches serve as key partners in delivering health information as they are among the most trusted institutions within the Black and African American community. Using BCT, we incorporated participant feedback to create faith-based CRC screening messages and identified channels for sharing information within the AME church community. Citation Format: Jamie Thompson, Jennifer Rivelli, Priyanka Gautom, Cheryl Johnson, Megan Burns, Dani Schenk, Caleb Levell, Nikki Hayes, Gloria Coronado. Faith-based messaging and materials for colorectal cancer screening in the African Methodist Episcopal church [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 16th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2023 Sep 29-Oct 2;Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2023;32(12 Suppl):Abstract nr A050.

Brain Healthy Soul Food Diet Intervention Among Older African Americans

AbstractBackgroundAlzheimer’s disease (AD) poses a major public health crisis, especially among African Americans who are disproportionally burdened by AD. Emerging evidence suggests that up to half of AD cases are a result of modifiable cardiovascular (CV) or metabolic risk factors related to poor diet such as elevated blood pressure, arterial stiffness, obesity, and diabetes, all of which disproportionately affect African Americans. Given the high prevalence of CV related risk factors in the African American community, prevention strategies are critical for reducing the disproportionate impact of AD among African Americans.MethodWe conducted a single arm 12‐week pilot in 2 waves (n = 20 African Americans) to assess feasibility and acceptability of an adapted brain‐healthy soul food diet intervention (MIND+SOUL) as measured by recruitment rates, retention rates, adherence, and satisfaction. The intervention encompassed skill building cooking classes, health coaching, and weekly groceries. We also evaluated preliminary efficacy of the MIND+SOUL diet intervention on CV risk and nutritional health status as measured by body composition, blood pressure, cholesterol, NHANES diet screening questionnaire, and beta carotene spectrophotometer. Lastly, we assessed change in cognition as assessed by the NIH Toolbox (NIH‐TB domains: memory, language, reading, vocabulary, processing speed, and executive function).ResultA total of 20 African Americans participated in the study with a retention rate of 90%. Most participants perceived the MIND+SOUL diet as feasible to follow (88.9%) and perceived the MIND+SOUL diet as effective in improving their overall health (77.8%). The median acceptability score was 67 out of 100 in which participants suggested modifications to the health coaching design and dissemination. Additionally, participated completed baseline and 12‐week CV, nutritional health status, and cognitive assessments.ConclusionFindings from this study indicate that older African Americans have a high interest in culturally tailored diets. Additionally, findings from this study will inform the development of a full‐scale randomized control trial that will test the efficacy of the MIND+SOUL intervention among older African Americans across a larger geographical area.

The Relationship between dementias and zip codes in the US: The African American community and higher rate of Alzheimer’s disease

AbstractBackgroundNot many people will connect the dementia rate with the person’s ZIP Code, but unfortunately, our ZIP Code significantly influences our overall health, including dementia. Many Black Americans experience a higher rate of Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia compared to whites, and the disproportionate impact is devastating, especially for black women. The risk of developing Alzheimer’s is two to three times higher for Black Americans—who are diagnosed at later stages—than for the general population.MethodThrough literature search, small group discussion with African American community members and faith‐based community leaders, education about relationship between dementia and zip codes was addressed.ResultsFaith‐based communities can play a significant role in improving chronic conditions, awareness, and early detection, especially in the African American patient population.ConclusionAs the U.S. population ages and communities of color become a higher proportion of the older population, a higher percentage of those with Alzheimer’s disease will be people of color. It is not entirely clear why Black Americans are at a higher risk. Still, current research suggests that the increase may be related to three factors: Higher rate of Chronic conditions ‐ the connection between vascular conditions and dementia; Delayed diagnosis ‐ Black participants in Alzheimer’s disease research studies were 35% less likely to be diagnosed than white participants and Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) ‐ there is a link between SDOH and dementia. Unfortunately, in the USA, our zip code is more important than our genetic code.

Process of Engaging Community and Scientific Partners in the Development of the CIRCL-Chicago Study Protocol.

Hypertension affects 1 in 3 adults in the United States and disproportionately affects African Americans. Kaiser Permanente demonstrated that a "bundle" of evidence-based interventions significantly increased blood pressure control rates. This paper describes a multiyear process of developing the protocol for a trial of the Kaiser bundle for implementation in under-resourced urban communities experiencing cardiovascular health disparities during the planning phase of this biphasic award (UG3/UH3). The protocol was developed by a collaboration of faith-based community members, representatives from community health center practice-based research networks, and academic scientists with expertise in health disparities, implementation science, community-engaged research, social care interventions, and health informatics. Scientists from the National Institutes of Health and the other grantees of the Disparities Elimination through Coordinated Interventions to Prevent and Control Heart and Lung Disease Risk (DECIPHeR) Alliance also contributed to developing our protocol. The protocol is a hybrid type 3 effectiveness-implementation study using a parallel cluster randomized trial to test the impact of practice facilitation on implementation of the Kaiser bundle in community health centers compared with implementation without facilitation. A central strategy to the Kaiser bundle is to coordinate implementation via faith-based and other community organizations for recruitment and navigation of resources for health-related social risks. The proposed research has the potential to improve identification, diagnosis, and control of blood pressure among under-resourced communities by connecting community entities and healthcare organizations in new ways. Faith-based organizations are a trusted voice in African American communities that could be instrumental for eliminating disparities.

Creating a measure of community level dementia‐friendliness in faith communities

AbstractBackgroundAs the prevalence of dementia rises, modifying built and social environments of persons living with dementia (PLWD) becomes increasingly essential. Although there is a call to rigorously evaluate dementia‐friendly community initiatives, no known comprehensive evaluation tools exist to assess small communities such as churches and community centers. Therefore, we developed a person‐centered Dementia‐Friendly Community Assessment tool.MethodsThis tool consists of new and validated scales to assess the level of dementia‐friendliness among churches enrolled in a dementia‐friendly congregation program based in African American communities. An initial draft of the theory‐informed survey instrument was given to stakeholder groups (church leaders, care partners, PLWD, and the Alter advisory board) with the goal of gathering feedback on domains included in the tool, as well as general wording and appropriateness. After focus group recordings were transcribed, the team made revisions and administered the survey to 10 stakeholders (church leaders, care partners, PLWD, and lay congregants) to gather feedback on the digital version of the survey, proposed changes to the tool, and thoughts on implementation aids and barriers.ResultsOverall, the tool was well received by participants, with most participants indicating the tool’s resulting scores would be useful for their community. Additionally, the tool’s content prompted many to share personal experiences of living with dementia or caregiving for PLWD, indicating that future use of this tool may provide a starting point to address stigma.ConclusionNext steps include piloting the survey with broad church membership, and our aim is to enable programs to quantify their dementia‐friendly community initiatives.

Delaying Cognitive Decline Through Dietary Approaches and Evidence‐based Practices

AbstractBackgroundAlzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) disproportionately impact African Americans compared to non‐Hispanic Whites. Lifestyle factors, such as diet and exercise, may contribute toward this difference. Health campaigns tailored to these populations related to healthy lifestyle choices, such as the cognitive benefits seen with the MIND diet (Mediterranean‐dietary approaches to stop hypertension, Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay) paired with evidence‐based guidelines, may improve self‐efficacy related to healthy behaviors. Utilizing the constructs of the Integrative Model, this study examines behavior change intention after an intervention using a health campaign encouraging MIND diet compliance and evidence‐based healthy aging guidelines.MethodsThis study implemented a culturally tailored health campaign related to healthy brain aging and an educational workshop led by experts in nutrition, Alzheimer’s disease, and behavioral science with older African American adults at a local faith‐based center. Upon completion of the workshop, participants completed select items of the 36‐Item Short Form Survey Instrument (SF‐36) and the Client Satisfaction Questionnaire (CSQ). Analyses of demographic and frequency reports illustrate likelihood to follow through with MIND diet principles.ResultsEighty‐five percent of participants (N = 20) reported little to no knowledge of the health campaign content prior to this study. Following the workshop, all participants reported that they were likely (66.7%) or very likely (33.3%) to incorporate principles learned from the evidence‐based workshop at home. Further, 71.4% reported being confident to follow the diet at home with an additional 28.6% of participants being very confident.ConclusionCulturally tailored health campaigns play an integral role in nutrition education, healthy aging, and lifestyle modification for ADRD reduction in the African American community. This approach enabled communication of evidence‐based practices of dietary modifications, cognition, and brain health as a mechanism to increase knowledge and self‐efficacy to carry out healthier behaviors at home. Community‐based nutrition education utilizing culturally appropriate health messages has potential to improve lifestyle behaviors, health disparities, and reduction of ADRD among African American older adults. Larger pragmatic, and implementation‐based studies using community‐engaged methods are needed to increase evidence and reach of this approach specific for aging African American adults.

Disseminating COVID‐19 and Alzheimer’s Disease Information to Underrepresented Communities Using Social Media

AbstractBackgroundTo help address the impact of disinformation pertaining to the COVID‐19 pandemic on underrepresented groups (URG), members of the University of Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) Center formed a strategic team consisting of experts in communications, health research scientists, community advocates and community agencies to disseminate information to URG communities on social media platforms. Three Wisconsin communities were included: African American, American Indian (i.e. Oneida Nation) and Latinx communities. Our goals were 1) to share culturally tailored and medically accurate messages on the virus, vaccine, and related topics, 2) to quell disinformation, and 3) to offer information on pertinent health topics such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD) dementia that also disproportionately affect URG and for which COVID‐19 is now a risk factor.MethodOur experts convened weekly to discuss possible topics suggested by team scientists or community advocates based on feedback from their respective community. Our team scientist developed lay format materials which were further translated into culturally appropriate social media messages by community advocates. Advocates posted at least one social media message per week for a total of 804 posts across all three communities. Social media metrics (Reach, Engagement, Impressions) were collected at 10 months, 17 months, 24 months and 28 months after initial post, using Hootsuite, Sprout Social and Facebook Analytics. Posts focused on mental health (n = 38) and Alzheimer’s disease (n = 7) were tagged on the Facebook and Instagram pages targeting African Americans.ResultOverall from September 2020 – January 2023, the 804 mixed‐media informational posts on social media platforms, garnered 166,917 impressions and over 11,202 engagements (Table 1). Topics including mental health and AD were well received (Figure 1). Audiences resonated with personal posts surrounding health topics from the community advocates.ConclusionFacebook had higher engagement rates than Instagram, but AD posts had lower reach and engagement than those of mental health, suggesting that more efforts are necessary to increase awareness about AD. Using mixed‐media approaches, and utilizing community advocates to communicate health information to URG were impactful. These strategies could be extrapolated to other initiatives, including the recruitment of URG into dementia clinical trials which can aid in dismantling dementia related health disparities.

Abstract PR006: Building a sustainable cancer prevention program in partnership with an urban public recreation system

Abstract Cancer is the second leading cause of death in Wisconsin with higher incidence, late-stage diagnosis, and mortality rates in the African American and Hispanic populations. Accessible and affordable programming to address cancer risk is necessary for cities such as Milwaukee, where communities are under-resourced and disproportionately affected by segregation. The Total Wellness (TW) program offers alternatives to these barriers. Developed through a partnership between an academic cancer center and MKE Recreation (MKE Rec), TW provides an accessible and sustainable cancer prevention and lifestyle program for the African American and Hispanic communities in Milwaukee. The intervention focuses on increasing cancer-related knowledge and improving nutrition and physical activity patterns to reduce cancer risk, while also improving overall health and quality of life (QOL). Herein we present the implementation and sustainability results of our TW pilot study. TW is offered as a standing program within MKE Rec. The program promotes adherence to the American Cancer Society Guideline for Diet and Physical Activity for Cancer Prevention by following a weekly workbook plan guided by a trained MKE instructor. TW is offered at local community sites and is divided into three 8-week sessions (1.0, 2.0, 3.0) with twice-weekly classes that begin with a 30-minute informational session on topics such as cancer risk, cancer screening, strategies for behavior change, plant-based cooking demos, followed by supervised exercise with strength training. To evaluate the intervention, class registrants were invited to participate in quasi-experimental assessments before and after each 8-week session and included surveys and physical assessments. The RE-AIM (Reach, [Potential] Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation and Maintenance) framework was used to assess implementation (Winter 2022 – Spring 2023). Reach: TW classes were offered every season with 151 total registrations where 51 registrants participated in evaluations. Efficacy: Significant improvements pre-post were noted for physical activity, diet, weight, blood pressure, sit to stand, hand grip strength, walking distance and cancer knowledge. Adoption: Two MKE Rec sites offer the program each season. Implementation: The program is implemented as developed, four MKE Rec instructors (2 are bi-lingual) have been trained to teach TW, and program content is available in English and Spanish. Maintenance: TW registration is integrated into the MKE Rec system, teacher training is manualized, registration has been consistent for 6 seasons, and class participant satisfaction is high, as reflected in satisfaction survey scores and testimonials. Results support the feasibility, potential efficacy and sustainability of integrating cancer prevention programming into public recreation systems. Ongoing efforts will focus on monitoring program sustainability and exploring related barriers and facilitators. Future work will expand programming to new sites and cities. Citation Format: Estefania Alonso, Laura Pinsoneault, Jamila Kwarteng, Sandra Contreras, Margaret Tovar, Patricia Sheean, Kathleen Jensik, Ana Karen Manriquez Prado, Melinda R. Stolley. Building a sustainable cancer prevention program in partnership with an urban public recreation system [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 16th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2023 Sep 29-Oct 2;Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2023;32(12 Suppl):Abstract nr PR006.

Recruitment and Retention for Alzheimer’s Disease Diversity Genetic Cohorts in the ADSP (READD‐ADSP)

AbstractBackgroundGenomic studies constitute a proven approach for identifying new therapeutic targets. However, there is a strong European bias that exists in AD genetic studies. This study will increase the global resource of the (ADSP) by including underrepresented African ancestry (African Americans (AA), African (Af)) and Hispanic/Latinx (HL) individuals. Reasons underlying these disparities are complex, but notable barriers to research participation for AA and HL communities must be addressed to improve participation.MethodREADD‐ADSP will recruit, retain, and evaluate 13,000 participants of diverse ethnicity, including 5,000 Af, 4,000 AA, and 4,000 US HL. The study in Africa involves multiple sites in 9 African countries operating under the African Dementia Consortium (AfDC). Socio‐demographic, clinical, and neurocognitive data will be obtained using protocol‐guided evaluation procedures that were developed to accommodate different cultures, to support phenotype harmonization, and for joint studies of biological and social risks of AD. A US and AfDC clinical adjudication committee will apply culturally algorithms for AD to adjudicate data from the cohorts.Communities are engaged through culturally informed efforts to improve trustworthiness and to understand how to both recruit and retain diverse populations,ResultSuccessful recruitment and retention of a globally diverse, well‐phenotyped cohort for genetic studies requires a multi‐level recruitment strategy, which includes building trust in diverse communities, and using evidence‐based community engaged research principles. In order to reach our enrollment goal, we engage diverse communities through a culturally relevant marketing campaign, using market research to inform best practices. We use clinic‐based strategies, as well as family and stakeholder involvement for snowball recruitment. Finally, we provide culturally appropriate training and resources to assure highly skilled multi‐site recruitment teams. We have recruited over 2,500 underrepresented participants, including 200 multi‐plex families using these strategies.ConclusionOutcomes from READD‐ADSP will enhance focused, precision medicine approaches for AD and reduce global health disparities across ancestries. In addition to clinic‐based strategies, community‐based strategies that recruit and retain diverse populations require intentional investments that remove trust barriers and support community priorities.

Association of Ladies: Emeline Bastien, Fanny Tompkins, and Leadership in the African American Community of New York City, 1810–1885

Association of Ladies: Emeline Bastien, Fanny Tompkins, and Leadership in the African American Community of New York City, 1810–1885

Abstract A027: Creating partnerships to deliver community-based interventions for cancer prevention in a historically African American community

Abstract Be Well Communities™ is MD Anderson’s signature place-based approach for cancer prevention and control, working with communities to promote wellness and address modifiable risk factors for cancer. In this project, the planning phase of the Be Well Communities’ model was implemented in Acres Homes, a neighborhood in northwest Houston with more than 57,000 residents. While the changing demographics show increasing numbers of residents of Hispanic descent (43% of the population), Acres Homes still experiences effects of a legacy of Blacks experiencing poverty; more than half of the population of Acres Homes resides in census tracts that are considered areas of persistent poverty. Further, it is a medically underserved area with relatively high rates of unhealthy behaviors, as compared to Healthy People 2030 goals. To work toward addressing the disparities in health outcomes experienced by community residents, a community advisory group (Steering Committee) including residents, non-profit organizations, health care partners, city and county agencies, plus other stakeholders, was convened and aligned through a structured process to develop shared goals, foster multisector collaboration (as measured by a stakeholder survey administered twice), and enhance community capacity to improve health outcomes through development of a Community Action Plan. Clear, achievable goals were developed, multisector collaboration was enhanced, and more than 400 hours of capacity building support led to a Community Action Plan focused on healthy eating and active living, including 15 evidence-based interventions led by 18 organizations. The majority (93%) of the Steering Committee reports that this plan reflects community priorities and will reach the residents most in need. In the first 2 years of implementation nearly 40% of the residents of the community have been reached by programs including more than 5,000 residents participating in physical activity opportunities, classes and over 1000 individuals receiving outreach from a Community Health Worker within the safety-net hospital system to receive access to healthy food access and nutrition education programming. By listening and developing trust, the Be Well Communities team successfully worked with Acres Homes residents and organizations to enhance community capacity to address health inequities in one of Houston’s most historic communities. Citation Format: Ruth Rechis, Haley Gardiner, Katy Oestman, Stephanie Nutt, Michael T. Walsh Jr.. Creating partnerships to deliver community-based interventions for cancer prevention in a historically African American community [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 16th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2023 Sep 29-Oct 2;Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2023;32(12 Suppl):Abstract nr A027.