Racial Differences In Attitudes Research Articles

Racial Differences in Attitudes Toward the COVID-19 Vaccine in Pregnant and Postpartum Women

The burden of COVID-19 infections and deaths disproportionately affects racial and ethnic minority communities, including pregnant women. Although COVID-19 vaccines have been approved and recommended for use during pregnancy, vaccine hesitancy is high in this population, resulting in adverse maternal health outcomes. It is critical to understand the attitudes of pregnant and postpartum women—particularly in diverse racial groups—toward these vaccines.

Deeds, Not Words: Sexual Identities and Antiracist Activism Among White Americans

ABSTRACT Sexual minorities of color often speak about racism in White lesbian and gay communities while White sexual minorities often consider themselves liberals, especially for issues of racial justice. This study explored this contradiction by analyzing the role of sexual identities in predicting antiracist thoughts and actions of self-identified White people. Data from the 2010–2012 American National Election Survey provided information on the racial consciousness and social movement participation of White people (N = 2,552). In the end, sexuality differences in racial attitudes was somewhat or partially confirmed as White lesbian, gay, and bisexual individuals endorsed fewer racial stereotypes and saw more racism than did White heterosexuals. However, these liberal sentiments of White lesbians, gays, and bisexuals were connected more to thoughts more than to political actions. Implications for methodological choices for studying race and sexuality were included, along with ideas for better understanding activism across racial lines.

Racial differences in attitudes toward COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy

The decision to vaccinate during pregnancy is a complex interaction of personal, cultural and sociopolitical forces with race and ethnicity being a dynamic variable with the possibility of capturing important social determinants of health. We seek to understand differences by race in COVID-19 vaccine attitudes and in preferred methods to reduce vaccine concerns.

The Association of Social Factors and Health Insurance Coverage with COVID-19 Vaccinations and Hesitancy, July 2021.

BackgroundThere are racial differences in COVID-19 vaccination rates, but social factors, such as lack of health insurance or food insecurity, may explain some of the racial disparities.ObjectiveTo assess social factors, including insurance coverage, that may affect COVID-19 vaccination as of June–July 2021 and vaccine hesitancy among those not yet vaccinated, and how these may affect racial equity in vaccinations.DesignCross-sectional analysis of nationally representative survey data.ParticipantsAdults 18 to 64 participating in the Census Bureau’s Household Pulse Survey for June 23 to July 5, 2021.Main MeasuresVaccination: receipt of at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. Vaccine hesitancy: among those not yet vaccinated, intent to definitely or probably not get vaccinated.Key ResultsIn unadjusted analyses, black adults were less likely to be vaccinated than other respondents, but, after social factors were included, including health insurance status, food sufficiency, income and education, and state-level political preferences, differences between black and white adults were no longer significant and Hispanics were more likely to be vaccinated (OR = 1.87, p < .001). Among those not yet vaccinated, black and Hispanic adults were vaccine hesitant than white adults (ORs = .37 and .45, respectively, both p < .001) and insurance status and food insufficiency were not significantly associated with vaccine hesitancy. The percent of state voters for former President Trump in 2020 was significantly associated with lower vaccination rates and with increased vaccine hesitancy.DiscussionThe results indicate that much of the gap in COVID vaccination rates for minority adults are due to social barriers, rather than differences in racial attitudes. Unvaccinated minority adults expressed less vaccine hesitancy than white adults. Social barriers like food insecurity and insurance coverage could have deterred prompt COVID-19 vaccinations. Reducing these problems might help increase vaccination rates.

Understanding racial differences in attitudes about public health efforts during COVID-19 using an explanatory mixed methods design

Efforts to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 rely on trust in public health organizations and practices. These practices include contact tracing, which requires people to share personal information with public health organizations. The central role of trust in these practices has gained more attention during the pandemic, resurfacing endemic questions about public trust and potential racial trust disparities, especially as they relate to participation in public health efforts.Using an explanatory mixed methods design, we conducted quantitative analysis of state-level survey data in the United States from a representative sample of Michigan residents (n = 1000) in May 2020. We used unadjusted and adjusted linear regressions to examine differences in trust in public health information and willingness to participate in public health efforts by race. From July to September 2020, we conducted qualitative interviews (n = 26) to further explain quantitative results.Using unadjusted linear regression, we observed higher willingness to participate in COVID-19 public health efforts among Black survey respondents compared to White respondents. In adjusted analysis, that difference disappeared, yielding no statistically significant difference between Black and White respondents in either trust in public health information sources or willingness to participate. Qualitative interviews were conducted to explain these findings, considering their contrast with assumptions that Black people would exhibit lower trust in public health organizations during COVID-19.Altruism, risk acknowledgement, trust in public health organizations during COVID-19, and belief in efficacy of public health efforts contributed to willingness to participate in public health efforts among interviewees. Our findings underscore the contextual nature of trust, and the importance of this context when analyzing protective health behaviors among communities disproportionately affected by COVID-19. Assumptions about mistrust among Black individuals and communities may be inaccurate because they overlook the specific context of the public health crisis. These findings are important because they indicate that Black respondents are exhibiting strategic trust during COVID-19 despite systemic, contemporary, and historic barriers to trust. Conceptual specificity rather than blanket generalizations is warranted, especially given the harms of stereotyping and discrimination.

Whose Rights are Civil Rights? Evaluating Group Threat as an Explanation for Racial Differences in Attitudes Toward Same-Gender Sexuality

ABSTRACT The alleged prevalence of anti-gay bias among Black communities in the United States has received ample popular and academic attention in recent decades. But just how consistent is the purported relationship between race and homophobia? In this paper, we use the American National Election Studies and the General Social Survey to show that public claims about “Black homophobia” have been dangerously overstated. Moreover, where racial differences in attitudes toward same-gender sexuality do occur, we find that the two most prevalent scholarly explanations for such gaps—religious institutions and gender ideologies—do not predict anti-gay bias for Black survey respondents. We thus derive an alternative explanation from scholarship on group threat: that perceived competition for political resources is what motivates racial differences in antagonism toward same-gender sexuality. Our results support that alternative and, in so doing, evince the importance of a relational approach to homophobia in academic and activist spheres alike.

Factors shaping Asian Americans’ attitudes toward homosexuality

ABSTRACT Numerous studies explore racial differences in attitudes toward homosexuality in the United States, but relatively little research focuses on Asian Americans. Using the 2016 National Asian American Survey and the 2012 Pew Asian-American Survey, this study examines the factors shaping Asian Americans’ likelihood of supporting legal protections against sex-based discrimination and socially accepting homosexuality. It finds that second-generation Asians are much more likely to socially accept homosexuality and support legal protections for sex-based discrimination than the first generation, which hints at intergenerational acculturation. Among other factors, ethnicity, religion, and education all shape Asians’ attitudes, but their relative importance varied by immigrant generation and the dimension of attitudes. Taken together, the findings highlight the heterogeneity of Asian Americans and confirm the importance of accounting for the multidimensionality of attitudes toward homosexuality in research.

Racial differences in attitudes to clinical pig organ Xenotransplantation.

In addition to an organ donor shortage, racial disparities exist at different stages of the transplantation process. Xenotransplantation (XTx) could alleviate these issues. This study describes racial differences in attitudes to XTx among populations who may need a transplant or are transplant recipients. A Likert-scale survey was distributed at outpatient clinics to parents of children with congenital heart disease (CHD) and kidney patients on their attitudes to pig organ XTx. Data from these two groups were stratified by race and compared. Ninety-seven parents of children with CHD (74.2% White and 25.8% Black) and 148 kidney patients (50% White and 50% Black) responded to our survey. Black kidney patients' acceptance of XTx although high (70%) was lower than White kidney patients (91%; P .003). White kidney patients were more likely to accept XTx if results are similar to allotransplantation (OR 4.14; 95% CI 4.51-11.41), and less likely to be concerned with psychosocial changes when compared to Black kidney patients (receiving a pig organ would change your personality OR 0.08; 95% CI 0.01-0.67 and would change social interaction OR 0.24; 95% CI 0.07-0.78). There were no racial differences in attitudes to XTx among parents of children with CHD. There are differences in attitudes to XTx particularly among Black kidney patients. Because kidneys may be the first organ for clinical trials of XTx, future studies that decrease scientific mistrust and XTx concerns among the Black community are needed to prevent disparities in uptake of possible future organ transplant alternatives.

Attitudes toward advance care planning among persons with dementia and their caregivers.

To examine factors that influence decision-making, preferences, and plans related to advance care planning (ACP) and end-of-life care among persons with dementia and their caregivers, and examine how these may differ by race. Cross-sectional survey. 13 geographically dispersed Alzheimer's Disease Centers across the United States. 431 racially diverse caregivers of persons with dementia. Survey on "Care Planning for Individuals with Dementia." The respondents were knowledgeable about dementia and hospice care, indicated the person with dementia would want comfort care at the end stage of illness, and reported high levels of both legal ACP (e.g., living will; 87%) and informal ACP discussions (79%) for the person with dementia. However, notable racial differences were present. Relative to white persons with dementia, African American persons with dementia were reported to have a lower preference for comfort care (81% vs. 58%) and lower rates of completion of legal ACP (89% vs. 73%). Racial differences in ACP and care preferences were also reflected in geographic differences. Additionally, African American study partners had a lower level of knowledge about dementia and reported a greater influence of religious/spiritual beliefs on the desired types of medical treatments. Notably, all respondents indicated that more information about the stages of dementia and end-of-life health care options would be helpful. Educational programs may be useful in reducing racial differences in attitudes towards ACP. These programs could focus on the clinical course of dementia and issues related to end-of-life care, including the importance of ACP.

Race Plays a Role in the Knowledge, Attitudes, and Beliefs of Women with Osteoporosis.

Using a concurrent mixed methods design, we investigated how knowledge, attitudes, values, and beliefs among women with osteoporosis can explain racial disparities in bone health. We recruited African American and White women ≥ 65years of age with osteoporosis to participate in focus groups. We quantitatively compared scores of the "Osteoporosis & You" knowledge scale and each domain (internal, powerful others, and chance) of the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control scale by race using t tests. We qualitatively explored potential racial differences in attitudes, values, and beliefs in the domains: (1) osteoporosis and bone health concerns, (2) knowledge about osteoporosis, (3) utilization of medical services for osteoporosis, (4) facilitators of osteoporosis prevention activities, and (5) barriers to osteoporosis prevention activities. A total of 48 women (White: 36; African American: 12) enrolled in the study. White women had a mean (SD) of 7.8 (0.92), whereas African American women score a 6.6 (2.6) (p = 0.044) out of 10 on the Osteoporosis & You Scale. The powerful others domain was significantly higher among African American for both general and bone health [General Health - African American: 26.7 (5.9) vs. White: 22.3 (3.8); p = 0.01]. Qualitative thematic analysis revealed differences by race in knowledge, types of physical activity, coping with comorbidities, physician trust, religion, and patient activation. Using both quantitative and qualitative methods, our study identified racial differences in knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs in women with osteoporosis that could result in racial disparities in bone health, indicating the need to improve education and awareness about osteoporosis in African American women.

Race, Culpability, and Defendant Plea-Bargaining Decisions: An Experimental Simulation

ABSTRACTGuilty pleas account for the vast majority of criminal convictions, yet experimental research on this topic is surprisingly uncommon; furthermore, race is seldom examined in the existing body of experimental studies. The current study utilized a 2 (Participant Race: White, non-White) X 2 (Defendant Culpability: Guilty, Innocent) between-subjects factorial design to investigate mock-defendant plea decisions using a vignette paradigm; culpability was randomly assigned. A significant main effect for culpability was found, such that guilty participants were more likely to accept the plea; however, 32.6% of innocent participants indicated that they would plead guilty to the crime in order to receive a guaranteed lesser sentence. The impact of culpability on plea decision making was partially mediated by individual beliefs about the case (e.g., strength of the case against them, likelihood of conviction at trial), which is especially interesting because this information was held constant across all conditions. There was no main effect for participant race in plea decisions (and no significant race by culpability interaction), although some racial differences in attitudes toward the criminal justice system were found. Possible explanations for these findings and implications for future research are explored.

Racial differences in attitudes toward aging, aging knowledge, and contact

ABSTRACTThe present study assessed knowledge of aging, attitudes toward aging, ageism, and contact with older adults in a sample of 271 Non-Hispanic White and African-American undergraduates. Research examining racial differences in knowledge of aging, attitudes toward aging, ageism, and contact with older adults has been sparse. Results for the current study demonstrated a significant correlation between knowledge of aging measured by the Facts on Aging Quiz-Revised (FAQ-R) and attitudes toward aging measured by the Aging Semantic Differential (ASD) for Non-Hispanic Whites but not African-Americans. In contrast, correlations between the FAQ-R and the Fraboni Scale of Ageism (FSA) were significant for both groups. Significant group differences were also noted for the ASD-total score and ASD-Instrumentality subscale as well as for the FSA-total score, Antilocution, and Discrimination subscales. Discussion focuses on the importance of identifying cultural and contextual factors that have been neglected in the “one size fits all” approach to promoting more positive attitudes toward older adults across different racial and ethnic groups.

Congregational Composition and Explanations for Racial Inequality Among Black Religious Affiliates.

Prior research suggests that congregational characteristics are associated with the racial attitudes of Black churchgoers. This study examines the relationship between congregational diversity and beliefs about the Black/White socioeconomic gap among Black religious adherents. Drawing upon pooled data from the General Social Survey and the National Congregations Study, we fit binary logistic regression models to estimate the association between congregational size and the explanations of Black/White economic inequality among Black religious adherents. Findings from our study reveal that congregational diversity is one factor that accounts for intragroup differences in racial attitudes among Black religious affiliates. Relative to Blacks that attend religious services in overwhelmingly Black congregations, Blacks that attend religious services in congregations that are overwhelmingly White and are overwhelmingly comprised of non-Black racial/ethnic minorities are significantly less likely to attribute Black/White socioeconomic gaps to structural factors. Our study demonstrates that congregational diversity is a source of intragroup variation in racial attitudes among Black religious affiliates, which may attenuate the ability of such congregations to bridge racial divisions.

Racial/ethnic variations in knee and hip elective joint replacement in the UK

Racial/ethnic variations in knee and hip elective joint replacement in the UK

A comparison of African American and Caucasian stimulant users in 12-step facilitation treatment

ABSTRACTEngagement in 12-step meetings and activities has been shown to be a powerful aid to recovery from substance use disorders. However, only limited attention has been given to ethnic and racial differences in attitudes toward 12-step and involvement. This study utilized data from a large multisite trial testing the effectiveness of a 12-step facilitation therapy with stimulant-dependent treatment seekers. We compared baseline differences and treatment outcomes between African American and Caucasian participants. A select few baseline differences were found (i.e., African Americans reported higher levels of spirituality than Caucasians; African American participants indicated more perceived benefits of 12-step involvement; Caucasians were more likely to endorse future involvement in 12-step). There were no outcome differences (e.g., substance use outcomes, 12-step meeting attendance). The tested intervention produced similar outcomes for both groups, indicating that it may be useful across racial categories.

PC-FACS

PC-FACS

Untangling the gender gap in symbolic racist attitudes among white Americans

While the gender gap in voting has important political implications for understanding contemporary American politics, and continues to be a focus of a great deal of research, gender gaps in policy areas have also been identified and these gender gaps also have dramatic political implications, particularly in the context of understanding attitudes about race. Despite the advances in our understanding of the gender gap in voting, fewer investigations have explored potential gender differences in racial attitudes. The lack of research into racial attitudes among women and men is surprising in light of the election and re-election of President Obama and the continued “racialization” of many national political issues. In fact, few studies have explored contemporary differences between women and men in levels of symbolic racism. Moreover, among the existing studies of possible gender gaps in racial attitudes, the role of perceived discrimination is surprisingly absent. In this investigation, potential differences between men and women in racial attitudes, specifically symbolic racism, are explored with a focus on demographic, attitudinal, and perceptions of discrimination as possible explanations. Results from a nationally representative survey demonstrate a significant gender gap in symbolic racism with women expressing less racially resentful attitudes. Furthermore, this gender gap in racial attitudes appears to be explained largely by ideology, party identification, and differences between men and women in their perceived experiences with discrimination.

Unity and Division

A symposium on partisan and ideological polarization in United States concludes this issue of Polity. The guest editor, Jeff Ladewig, invited half a dozen specialists on American politics to compose original thought pieces on contemporary partisan tensions. Ladewig, in his introduction, recalls the famous 1950 report by an American Political Science Association committee on political parties, in which a group of eminent scholars, led by E.E. Schattschneider, urged sharper policy and ideological differences between America’s major parties. The contributors to the symposium then assess evidence bearing on reports of a recent resurgence in partisan and ideological polarization in America. The two first articles, by Christopher Hare and Keith Poole and by Tracy Sulkin and Carly Schmitt, trace the behavior of members of Congress over time, and document signs of increasing polarization. The next article, by Monika McDermott and Cornell Bulcher, looks at current differences in racial attitudes among voters for the two major parties. The symposium closes with a provocative discussion by David Jones on how the rise of inter-party polarization has, ironically, coincided with citizens’ ability to differentiate parties in America and to judge each congressional party’s legislative performances and priorities. Maybe polarization is not all bad, Jones suggests, because citizen awareness of party differences has soared, which arguably has enhanced accountability of rulers to the ruled.

Racial Differences in Attitudes toward Personalized Medicine

Background/Aims: Patient concerns regarding personalized medicine may limit its use. This study assesses racial differences in attitudes toward personalized medicine, evaluating variables that may influence these attitudes. Methods: A convenience sample of 190 adults (≥18 years) from an academic primary care practice was surveyed regarding awareness and acceptance of personalized medicine, plus concerns and benefits regarding its use. Logistic regressions predicting awareness, acceptance and concerns were performed, controlling for race, gender, marital status, education, children, internet use, and self-reported discrimination. Results: The sample was 35% non-Hispanic white (NHW) and 34.7% male. More NHW participants expressed acceptance of personalized medicine than non-Hispanic black (NHB) participants (94.4 vs. 81.9%, p = 0.0190). More NHBs were concerned about the use of genes without consent (57.3 vs. 20.6%, p < 0.0001), sharing genetic information without consent (65.0 vs. 35.6%, p < 0.0001), discrimination based on genes (62.4 vs. 34.3%, p = 0.0002), and lack of access due to cost (75.0 vs. 48.0%, p = 0.0002). In logistic regressions, NHBs (OR = 7.46, 95% CI = 3.04-18.32) and those self-reporting discrimination (OR = 2.87, 95% CI = 1.22-6.78) had more concerns about the misuse of genes and costs associated with personalized medicine. Conclusion: Racial differences exist in attitudes toward personalized medicine and may be influenced by self-reported discrimination. Further study to understand factors influencing the acceptance of personalized medicine could help encourage its use.

Racial differences in attitudes toward molecular testing for personalized cancer therapy.

6566 Background: We assessed attitudes of breast cancer patients regarding molecular testing for personalized therapy and research. Methods: Female breast cancer patients presenting to a cancer center completed a questionnaire. Associations between demographic, clinical variables and attitudes towards molecular testing were evaluated. Results: 308 patients were approached and 100 completed the survey (32% response rate). If covered by insurance, most patients were willing to undergo molecular testing to assist in selection of both approved drugs (81%) and experimental therapy (59%). Even of testing was covered, non-white patients were less willing to undergo molecular testing for selection of approved drugs (nonwhites vs. whites, OR=0.13; p=0.0004) or experimental drugs (OR=0.26; p=0.0072; see table below). Most patients (75%) were willing to undergo a biopsy to guide therapy, and 46% were willing to undergo research biopsies. Non-white patients were less willing to undergo research biopsies (OR=0.17; p=0.0033). Patients desired return of research results when results had implications for treatment (91%), new cancer risk (90%), and other preventable/treatable diseases (87%). Conclusions: Most patients are willing to undergo molecular testing and minimally invasive procedures to guide approved or experimental therapy. There are significant differences in attitudes towards molecular testing between racial groups. Novel approaches may be needed to prevent disparities in delivery of genomically-informed care and to increase minority participation in biomarker-driven trials. [Table: see text]