Cultural Expectations Research Articles

ADAPTATION OF THE PPC APPROACH FOR HISPANIC OLDER ADULTS

Abstract Older Hispanics have a high prevalence of MCC, contributing to a higher risk for dementia. As a result, there is a rapid increase in the number of young Hispanics assuming caregiver roles. The caregiver role is a cultural expectation among Hispanics and caregiving by the family is preferred over professional caregiving. There is limited information on how the unique context of Hispanics impacts the dyadic interactions between older adults and their care partners. There is a gap in the literature on how health values among Hispanics frame their healthcare goals and preferences and whether care partner involvement impacts the identification of these goals and preferences. There is also a limited number of evidence-based interventions that can help shift the current healthcare paradigm from clinical-guideline-based care to patient-centered care for underrepresented older adults. Thus, we used the Heuristic Framework to culturally adapt PPC for Hispanics with MCC and cognitive impairment living in Texas and embed it in two Geriatrics Clinics. We will describe the adaptation and implementation process and share findings from a pragmatic pilot study with 25 older Hispanics that participated in the PPC approach. We will share the outcomes from this pilot and the feedback received from patients, caregivers, and clinicians on the implementation of PPC at these clinics. We will conclude by sharing the current plans to expand the outreach of PPC for diverse older adult populations.

MOTIVATIONS AND ROLE CAPTIVITY AMONG INFORMAL CAREGIVERS TO COMMUNITY-DWELLING PERSONS WITH DEMENTIA

Abstract There are 11 million informal (unpaid) caregivers currently assisting a person with dementia in the United States. Motivations for taking on this challenging role vary, with many citing their responsibility to family or a shared interpersonal history. Many caregivers do not feel as if they have a choice in taking on care responsibilities for relational and/or financial reasons and are held “captive” in this role. Prior research indicates role captivity as a key mediating force in the development of depression among dementia caregivers, but limited work has directly linked quantitative measures of role captivity with qualitative data surrounding motivations for providing care. The current mixed-methods study uses quantitative and qualitative data to explore this connection in a sample of 46 participants providing care to a community-dwelling person with dementia. Study findings show that role captivity was significantly associated with greater costs of care, feelings of grief, and depressive symptoms, as well as lower levels of self-efficacy and mutuality. These relationships were assessed alongside thematic analyses of interview data centered on motivations for providing care, familial and cultural expectations, and financial necessity. This research paints a detailed picture of the way in which dementia caregivers understand and relate to their role and can inform the design of effective psychological supports for this population.

EXPLORING THE LIVED EXPERIENCES OF BLACK INFORMAL CAREGIVERS: A SCOPING REVIEW

Abstract Understanding the unique caregiving experiences of Black informal caregivers, most of whom are women, and how they are influenced by the historical and sociopolitical context of the Black experience in the America is critical to building an effective care infrastructure that is inclusive. Gaps in existing literature include a paucity of studies that explore in-group differences in the caregiving experiences of Black informal caregivers as well as a dearth of qualitative studies that center their voices and lived experiences. This scoping review explored current representations of the Black informal caregiving experience in qualitative literature. It sought to address the heterogeneity in the Black caregiver experience through amplification of caregivers’ voices. Specifically, it included studies that focused on varied informal caregiving arrangements which exist for Black informal caregivers who are caring for chronically or terminally ill adults. Overall, 65 studies were selected for full-text review. After data characterization of the full-text articles, nine studies remained and were included in the analysis. Four broad themes were identified: (1) cultural beliefs, (2) religion and spirituality, (3) systemic barriers (healthcare system and care structures), and (4) caregiver health and well-being (physical and mental health). Findings underscore the need for an intersectional lens in exploring the implications of the Black informal caregiving experience. Their cultural and religious/spiritual identities are linked to the historical experience of Black people in the United States. Their caregiving experiences often involve cultural obligations and expectations that create tension between fulfilling caregiver roles and providing for their own health and well-being.

GENDER DIFFERENCES IN CAREGIVER BURDEN AMONG FAMILY CAREGIVERS OF PERSONS WITH DEMENTIA: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Abstract Family caregiving for individuals with dementia is associated with high levels of burden. Caregiver burden is likely contextual and related to sociocultural norms, including those for gender. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to examine gender differences in caregiver burden among family caregivers of persons with dementia and to compare such gender differences across cultures. After searching five databases—CINAHL, Medline/PubMed, EMBASE, PsycINFO, and Sociological Abstracts, we included relevant articles published in English through December 2022. Two independent reviewers extracted study data and assessed the risk of bias. Forty-three studies were included, and from those, 17 effect sizes were extracted for meta-analysis. We found that family caregivers providing homecare were mainly female and adult children of care recipients. Most studies used the Zarit Burden Interview to measure caregiver burden. Random-effects models revealed moderate effects of gender, with higher burden in female than in male family caregivers (d = 0.41, 95% confidence interval: 0.32 to 0.50, p<.05). However, we found that only 20% of Asian studies reported effects of gender on caregiver burden, while more than half the U.S. (83.33%) and European (56.41%) studies reported gender effects. We conclude that, due to sociocultural norms, female Asian caregivers may more readily accept their caregiving role than females in other regions. Thus, future studies should include measures of cultural expectations related to caregiving. Also, researchers should more extensively explore gender-specific sources of caregiver burden before creating gender-specific caregiver interventions and social policy recommendations for alleviating the burden of female caregivers.

PUBLISHING ON A GLOBAL SCALE IN GERONTOLOGY: A VIEW FROM THE EDITORS’ DESKS

Abstract Global aging has proceeded at an unprecedented and accelerating rate. The aging of the population creates both opportunities and challenges for older adults, their families, and society. Importantly, there is substantial variation in the effects of and response to global aging both within and across nations depending, in part, on prevailing cultural expectations and values, political and economic imperatives, and social and demographic characteristics. Thus, while some regions and countries have responded with innovative policies and programs to better enable the growing cohort of older adults to remain active and engaged in the community, other regions and countries have struggled with their response or barely begun to plan for the rising population of older adults. This symposium assembles editors at five leading gerontological journals to demonstrate the role that peer-reviewed scholarship can play in disseminating knowledge that informs gerontological research, policy, and practice internationally. The editors include: Edward Alan Miller, PhD, Journal of Aging & Social Policy; Kyungmin Kim, PhD, Research on Aging; Julie Robison, PhD and Debra Dobbs, PhD, Journal of Applied Gerontology; Julie Patrick, PhD, International Journal of Aging and Human Development; and Sandra Torres, PhD, Ageing & Society. Each presenter will review the scope, content, and focus of their journals and the role and opportunities for international scholarship. Nicholas Castle, PhD, International Editor at The Gerontologist, will serve as discussant.

Research on the Artistic Language of High Temperature Colour Glaze Porcelain Paintings

High-temperature colour glaze is the fire phoenix in ceramic art, its development history has a long history, until now there have been thousands of years of history, is a great symbol of mankind towards the history of civilization. High-temperature colour glaze ceramic painting has a unique artistic language and strong artistic expression, and has a long preservation time, never discolouration process advantages, contemporary high-temperature colour glaze ceramic painting combined with the humanities trend of the times, presenting the works of the times with a cultural outlook, spiritual beliefs and thinking about life, become the pursuit of artistic value and artistic taste very good carrier, so more and more people have broken the high-temperature colour glaze ceramic painting. Therefore, more and more people have broken the high temperature colour glaze porcelain painting value and meaning can only depend on the porcelain decoration and the existence of the inherent thinking, began to consciously go from a purely aesthetic point of view to the creation of painting, this paper combines the modern aesthetic tendency, innovation on the basis of tradition and then fused with the characteristics of colour glaze, the colour glaze porcelain painting of the art of the language of research.

Kamu Arazilerinin Özelleştirilmesi ve Dönüşümünde Kamu Yararı Perspektifinde Bir Değerlendirme: İstanbul

Urban regeneration has become one of the most significant instruments for the urban planning process particularly after the 1980’s with the effects of globalization and the acceleration of the race between cities. Thus, the metropolitan cities that stand out with their economic performance, cultural/traditional identity, and tourism potential have been restructured due to the social, cultural, technological, and economic changes and expectations that spread throughout the world. Cities known for their industrial areas and productions in the past are now turning into innovative productions and new prestige areas where the service sector is concentrated. In recent years, old industrial areas, warehouses, which had lost their former functions, have undergone the urban transformation processes. More recently, public lands located in city centers have been incorporated into the agenda of urban regeneration. Privatization of public lands is the most basic approach in such regeneration processes and therefore protecting public interest is the most critical issue. The main objective of this study is to identify the role of privatization policies in relation to the urban regeneration process and to provide an analysis of several urban regeneration projects in İstanbul.

Association of explicit and implicit social support with psychological adjustment in Chinese women with breast cancer: An interpersonal explanation.

This study aimed to examine the linear and non-linear relationship between explicit and implicit social support and psychological adjustment as well as the underlying interpersonal mechanisms in a sample of Chinese women with breast cancer (n = 202). The results showed that explicit social support was associated with poorer psychological adjustment, while implicit social support exhibited the opposite trend. Moreover, the association between implicit social support and psychological adjustment was stronger at lower levels of implicit social support, but it weakened or disappeared at moderate or higher levels. Furthermore, we found that all the associations between social support and psychological adjustment could be explained by relationship concerns and perceived burdensomeness. These findings emphasize the importance of providing social support and supportive care to patients who have unmet supportive care needs, in line with cultural norms and expectations.

Assimilation and Resistance: Cultural Negotiations in Elif Shafak’s Honour

Honour by Elif Shafak intricately explores cultural negotiations within the Toprak family as they grapple with assimilation and resistance in Istanbul and London. Elif Shafak, a Turkish-British author known for her masterful storytelling and exploration of cultural complexities, brings to life characters facing the challenges of adapting to new environments while preserving their cultural identity. Shafak’s works often delve into the intersections of culture, identity and societal expectations, reflecting her keen insight into the human experience. The themes of assimilation, resistance and cultural negotiations are recurring motif in literature, reflecting the broader human experience of adapting to societal changes while maintaining cultural roots. Through characters and narratives, literature explores the tension between assimilating into dominant cultures and resisting the erosion of one’s cultural identity. This theme provides a rich landscape for examining the complexities of identity formation, societal expectations and the enduring struggle to balance tradition with the demands of a changing world. Shafak’s Honour stands as a poignant example of how literature can illuminate the nuanced dynamics of cultural negotiation, resonating with readers on a universal level.

Beyond the homestay: Women’s participation in rural tourism development in Mekong Delta, Vietnam

This study examines the impact of the homestay tourism program in Mekong Delta, Vietnam, on women’s participation and empowerment in rural tourism development. As part of this study, 22 interviews were conducted with homestay owners to explore the benefits and challenges of women’s involvement in this type of tourism. The findings show that homestay tourism program has helped women to generate extra income, strengthen family ties, and increase their social influence while reducing domestic violence. However, cultural expectations and gender roles continue to pose challenges. This study underscores the importance of women’s participation in homestay tourism program and provides suggestions for promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment in tourism development. The study highlights the potential of women’s involvement in creating a sustainable and inclusive tourism industry and calls for further research and action to promote gender equality and women’s rights in tourism. The findings have practical implications for policymakers and practitioners in the tourism sector.

Adapting Higher Education Systems for an Uncertain Future: Perspectives from the Experiences of Chinese Students

This paper explores the adaptability and resilience of Chinese higher education systems in an era characterized by rapid technological change, economic shifts, and global challenges such as the COVID-19 crisis. Focusing on the perspectives of Chinese students, it examines how they navigate these transformations and their implications for future career planning. Utilizing a qualitative phenomenological approach, the study involved semi-structured interviews with 15 university students, offering insights into their experiences and perceptions. The findings highlight a significant misalignment between the theoretical curriculum offered by Chinese higher education institutions and the practical demands of the job market. Students reported a disconnect between academic achievements and employable skills, underscoring the need for educational reform that integrates practical experience and skill acquisition. The study also reveals the profound influence of cultural expectations on educational attainment and career choices, emphasizing the necessity for a broader cultural shift alongside educational reforms. These insights are critical for re-evaluating the role of higher education in preparing students for a rapidly evolving global economy.

Gender Stereotyping in Media - Bias and Discrimination

Gender stereotyping in media is a pervasive issue that refers to depictions of individuals or groups conforming to cultural expectations about gender roles and traits. Various forms of media, such as television, film, advertising, and social media, often present gender in stereotypical and limiting ways, perpetuating harmful societal norms. This perpetuation creates a cycle of gender bias and discrimination, affecting self-esteem, career opportunities, and overall well-being. These stereotypes can be damaging because they reinforce preconceived notions about masculinity and femininity. Efforts in the media industry aim to confront and modify these stereotypes through diverse and inclusive storytelling, promoting positive role models, and enhancing media literacy. Recognizing and challenging gender stereotypes in the media is crucial for promoting gender equality and dismantling harmful cultural practices. The article highlights the consequences of gender stereotyping in media, such as reinforcing traditional gender roles, objectification, and underrepresentation. It underscores the importance of media content creators, regulators, and consumers being aware of these biases and actively working toward more inclusive and equitable portrayals of gender.

Parenting Practices and Parenting Program Preferences of Chinese Immigrant Parents in New Zealand

Participation in evidence-based parenting programs benefits parents and children, but these programs have limited reach. This study utilized a mixed-method design to investigate the parenting concerns and parenting program needs of Chinese immigrant parents in New Zealand. Parents (n = 159) were surveyed about their perceived levels of child adjustment problems, parenting confidence, and parenting risk and protective factors. Parents’ knowledge and experience with parenting programs, and their program preferences were also examined. Eight Chinese parenting practitioners were interviewed about parenting challenges, parental concerns, and barriers to program participation of Chinese immigrant parents. Survey results showed that parents who gave their child higher ratings on behavior problems reported less parental self-efficacy, and more parental adjustment, family relationship, teamwork, and parenting difficulties. Parents’ knowledge and experience of available parenting programs was low. Barriers to program participation included time constraints, lack of program awareness, cultural and language barriers, and no childcare provision. Parents indicated a preference for a range of delivery options including group-based, seminar, and individually tailored programs. Program features most likely to influence attendance were content that addresses personally relevant issues and children’s self-development (such as coping with failure, managing negative emotions, and increasing confidence), and convenient location of program. Practitioners indicated that managing difficult child behavior and maintaining positive parent-child relationships were key parenting challenges. These concerns were linked to cultural expectations about child obedience, academic performance, and parent/grandparent relationships. Findings highlight program preferences that could be offered to meet Chinese immigrant parenting support needs and increase program participation.

Intersectional analysis of intimate partner violence against Nigerian nurses in the United States

AbstractIntimate partner violence (IPV) against Nigerian nurses in the US is a complex issue intersecting gender, occupation, culture, economics, and migration. This study adopts an intersectional feminist and adult learning framework to explore the causes and potential solutions. Drawing on a thematic analysis of ten media reports and commentaries on various reported cases of IPV against Nigerian nurses, key themes that emerged include: gender‐based power dynamics, cultural expectations, clashes between patriarchal societies and gender equality, open communication, psychological factors, perceived “anti‐male” legal system, and immigrant struggles. Adult learning and education (ALE) interventions, employing transformative and experiential learning, can empower Nigerian nurses and the Nigerian immigrant community in general to challenge traditional norms, address power imbalances, and foster equality in relationships. The study calls for targeted and culturally sensitive support services to create safer environments for Nigerian nurses and families in the US. Further research is recommended to assess the long‐term impact and representativeness of the findings.

Evaluation of the Development of Landscape Architecture Using WSM Method

Landscape architecture spans across various dimensions including its objectives, design methodologies, analytical procedures, target clientele, levels of interest, intellectual or knowledge foundations, ethical considerations, connection with the natural environment, and approaches to power dynamics. Within the analytical community, landscape architecture holds a significant role, particularly in landscape ecology, contributing to a comprehensive perspective and wielding influence. The Department of landscape architecture and related fields are spatial Prioritize design to address urban and rural challenges, crafting solutions Parks and garden sand squares etc., considering both environmental and societal needs to foster development and leverage opportunities effectively. This article delves into the practices of regional designers, who configure and organize the design process, while also examining relevant policies. However, regional design principles often exhibit ambiguity, lacking structure and stability, thus presenting challenging scenarios. Moreover, the design process seeks to contribute to broader processes of change, forming an integral aspect of the study. It underscores a dynamic perspective on design, emphasizing communication with stakeholders and the designer's role within the design process, highlighting the need for a renewed cultural outlook. significant portion of the book is that which covers the landscape profession's contribution to the 20th century development to town planning in England and America. Newton discusses the 19th-century English background, including the experimental towns of Saltire, Bourneville, and Port Sunlight and the sociological factors which led to establishing the garden city movement. In Garden Cities of Tomorrow (1902), Ebenezer Howard set out guiding principles which are valid in urban design today: the town and country ideal; limitation in size (32,000 population, 6,000 acres); controlled agricultural buffer zone (greenbelt); development and control by a corporation; planning and density control; separate wards (neighborhoods) developed around the public school; spaciousness for tree-lined streets, public buildings, home sites; ample areas for parks and recreation; provision for industrial employment in municipally or privately owned factories, electrically powered to reduce air pollution; the dispersal of towns separated by controlled agricultural lands; development of intercity transport facilities. The Weighted Sum Method (WSM) is an approach for decision-making and optimization that assesses and contrasts multiple alternatives through a set of criteria. It offers a structured means of amalgamating these criteria, each with its own significance, into a single value. Art in Landscape Architecture, Urban Agriculture and Foodscapes, Therapeutic Landscapes, Socially Engaged Design and Ecological Design. Ecological Impact, Maintenance and Longevity, Community Engagement and Economic Impact. the Ranking of Landscape Architecture. Ecological Design is got the first rank whereas is the Socially Engaged Design is having the Lowest rank.

Front and Back Covers, Volume 39, Number 6. December 2023

Front and back cover caption, volume 39 issue 6CHILDREN'S CHRISTMAS POWERThe jolly figure of Santa Claus, tankard in hand as he rests his feet atop a sack of toys, invites us to ponder the mystery behind this iconic Christmas emblem. Who is the real Santa, and what is his relationship to adults and children during the holiday season? This image of Santa on the cover of Puck magazine's 1896 Christmas edition alludes to the complex web of secrecy and revelation that enables Santa to materialize each year.As Martí Torra Merín explores in the accompanying article, Santa Claus and other Christmas figures occupy a unique position in contemporary Western cultures. Their ‘existence’ relies upon the innocence projected onto children, who serve as conduits to the magical realm. Yet children's agency in navigating this process has been overlooked. Through an ethnographic study in Catalonia, the article reveals that even young children detect inconsistencies in Santa's portrayal, and older children may feign ignorance of the ‘secret’ to prolong the magic.Far from fragile, children's awareness empowers their agency. Their liminal position, privy to the ‘public secret’ that adults both disbelieve in Santa and expect children's innocence, allows for clever navigation of cultural expectations. Like Puck's impish character, children toe the line between innocence and cunning. Ultimately, the article argues, recognizing children's agency is key to understanding how Santa materializes each Christmas through intricate social performances between adults and youth. This image encapsulates that interplay, with Santa as the symbolic connector between magical worlds and everyday realities.SEX AND GENDER ARE INSEPARABLEThis back cover image* visually embodies the guest editorial's exploration of how the complex interplay between sex and gender defies conventional binary perceptions.The left circle, ‘sex’, includes the biological aspects of our being, encompassing our evolved physical attributes, biomaterial processes and bodily characteristics that are often, albeit incorrectly, assumed to be fixed and immutable. It acknowledges biomateriality as a dynamic process more than a static ‘thing’.The right circle, ‘gender’, encapsulates the roles, behaviours and identities shaped through socialization within various social groups and cultural constructs. It signifies the fluid and dynamic nature of how we express and identify ourselves in society, which is not necessarily aligned with biological sex.At the intersection of these two spheres lies the ‘gender/sex’ overlap, a space that acknowledges the co‐construction of hormones and behaviour. This area represents the ongoing interplay and feedback loops between our biological traits and the social roles we embody. It is a recognition that hormones can influence behaviours that society reads as gendered and, conversely, that our social experiences and behaviours can affect our biological functions, such as hormone levels.This diagram illustrates how sex and gender are deeply intertwined, each influencing and shaping the other in a continuous dance. It is a powerful representation of the biosocial nature of human identity, where biological and social influences are inseparable and in constant interaction, creating a spectrum of diversity that defies the simplistic bimodal model.This image underscores the message of the guest editorial, advocating for a nuanced understanding of human identity that respects and reflects the complex realities of our lives.* From: S. van Anders 2022. Gender/sex/ual diversity and biobehavioural research. Psychology of Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity. Advance online publication.

A qualitative study to understand sociocultural beliefs around perinatal and neonatal health in rural areas of Mohali, Punjab, India.

Globally, 600,000 mothers (15-49 years) die every year due to pregnancy and childbirth-related complications. Wide variations are seen in cultural practices and beliefs surrounding this period of a woman's life. The present study explores the cultural beliefs and practices of women and families during pregnancy and the postnatal period in order to understand what behavioral management strategies are required to improve maternal and infant outcomes during pregnancy and the postpartum period. The study was conducted in a rural area of Punjab, from December 2019 to March 2021. A total of 20 women (up to 3 months postpartum, age >18 years, were interviewed. In general, women described eating varied and fairly healthy diets during pregnancy, especially nutritious warm food, following traditional practices. Other cultural practices included restrictions on movement and mobile phone use and the use of unsafe home remedies to promote infant safety and wellbeing, such as using gripe water, applying black pencil to the baby's eyes, and feeding the baby honey. A few were not inclined to engage with these and other cultural expectations, preferring instead to follow contemporary practices influenced by social media. These practices included being accompanied by a family member during delivery, celebrating the baby's birth regardless of sex, and early bathing post-delivery. It can be concluded that while many traditional practices are still followed in India, there are new beliefs and behaviors arising from an intersection between culture and technology. Developing strategies that acknowledge older beliefs and modern approaches is essential to promoting better antenatal and postpartum care.

Sex and gender affect immune aging.

The proposed review aims to elucidate the intricate interplay between biological factors (sex differences) and socially constructed factors (gender differences) in the context of immune aging. While the influence of biological differences between men and women on various aspects of immune responses has long been recognized, it is crucial to acknowledge that gender, encompassing the social and cultural roles and expectations associated with being male or female, also significantly shapes these processes. Gender can either accelerate immune aging or promote longevity. By recognizing the impact of both biological and social factors, this work seeks to offer a comprehensive understanding of why men and women may experience divergent trajectories in immune aging and varying outcomes in terms of longevity. Discrepancies in perceived roles of the sexes, both within families and at work, contribute to differing patterns of antigen exposure. Additionally, variations in micronutrient intake and access to preventive healthcare facilities may exist. Health promotion knowledge often correlates with educational attainment, which is unequally represented between males and females in many cultures and across generations in the Western world. In countries without a universal healthcare system, access to healthcare relies on family prioritization strategies to cope with economic constraints, potentially limiting access to specific treatments and affecting immune responses negatively. As a result, both biological factors and social and behavioral factors associated with gender contribute to disparities in immune responses, susceptibility to infections, autoimmune diseases, and vaccine responses among older individuals. However, as demonstrated by the COVID-19 pandemic, older females exhibit greater resilience to infections than older males. Given the crucial role of the immune system in achieving longevity, it is not surprising that women live longer than men, and the number of female centenarians surpasses that of male centenarians.

Cultural expectations and perceptions of risk communication among Afro-Caribbean mothers and daughters in the United States.

Mothers are key influencers in daughters' decision making about risk behaviors. Much research on parent-child relationships and communication has been conducted among predominantly White, nonimmigrant families. However, parent-child relationships and communications about risk behaviors may significantly differ for Black immigrant families. In particular, transnational behaviors that serve to maintain multiple social identities with attributes from both the receiving and sending nations may shape communication about risky behaviors. The current study evaluated the association between transnational behavior and risk communication mediated by the mother-daughter relationship. A total of 285 first- and second-generation Afro-Caribbean women, most of whom (80%) identified as Black, were recruited via purposeful sampling from Caribbean organizations, Caribbean-focused social media, and Caribbean festivals. Participants (daughters) completed a survey assessing their transnational behavior, perceptions of their relationship with their mother (in terms of interdependence, connectedness, and trust in hierarchy), and perceptions of their mother's communication about sex, alcohol use, and other drug use. Only the relationship between transnational behavior and communication about drugs was fully mediated by connectedness. The relationship between transnational behavior and communication about both alcohol use and other drug use was partially mediated by other facets of the mother-daughter relationship. Findings confirm previous research on parent-child closeness and communication about difficult topics and suggest that such relationships can promote healthy communication in multiple cultures. Children who stay connected to their country of origin stay connected to parents and, therefore, may have greater opportunity to engage in integrated communication about possible risk behaviors. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

2672. Understanding the Barriers to Sexual Health in Middle Eastern Immigrant Women

Abstract Background Sexually transmitted infections (STI) are often considered taboo in the life of women living in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), and few studies have evaluated how to raise awareness of sexual health (SH) for these women. There are no studies that have aimed to understand if social norms, stigmas, and misconceptions surrounding seeking SH care continue for women who have immigrated to the United States (US) from MENA countries. The primary goal of this study is to determine existing cultural barriers to seeking SH care among US-living women who have emigrated from MENA or whose parents have emigrated from MENA. Methods From April 2021 to August 2021, 18 semi-structured interviews were conducted in women who emigrated from MENA or whose parents emigrated from MENA. We used thematic content analysis to identify the main themes and subthemes around barriers to seeking SH care. We then developed a conceptual model to depict how different themes interact to influence attitudes and beliefs towards SH care of MENA immigrant women. Results The primary themes that emerged were (a) reduced knowledge about SH resources and STI, (b) judgement, (c) lack of discussion in the community and household, (d) circumvention, and (e) call to action. The subtheme of cultural expectation of abstinence before marriage was a cross-cutting theme brought up by 16 of the 18 participants. One of the subthemes within the theme of judgement was the preference to seek SH care outside the community. Participants felt there was a barrier with discussing SH concerns with physicians who are of the same community due to the perception of judgement from that physician with whom the participant identifies. Call to action highlights several solutions shared by participants to reduce barriers to SH care. Conclusion We identified several themes underlying barriers to SH care for MENA immigrant women living in the US. We hope this project will fuel future research and policy efforts to raise awareness of SH in this vulnerable population. Appropriate and targeted interventions will ultimately help to prevent morbidity and mortality from diseases of SH in these women. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures