Ethnic Differences In Perceptions Research Articles

Awareness of Heart Disease Among Female College Students

Awareness of heart disease as the leading cause of death in women has increased over the past 10 years, but little is known about the awareness level of college students. This study evaluated the level of awareness and knowledge of heart disease in women among college students. Using a cross-sectional design, a sample of 320 women from a private university was queried. A 13-item survey assessed demographic information and awareness of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The mean age was 23 years; the majority were single and of Hispanic ethnicity. Almost one third believed breast cancer was the greatest problem facing women. One half recognized CVD as the leading cause of death among women. Students aged 18-24 years were significantly less likely to identify heart disease/heart attack as the leading cause of death in women compared with students aged 25-34 years. Significant ethnic differences in perceptions of risk were found. Family history and obesity were seen as major contributors to CVD; less than a fourth ever discussed CVD with their healthcare provider. Information was gained primarily from television, magazines, and the Internet. Exercise and maintenance of healthy blood pressure were viewed as priorities in prevention of CVD. Results add to the body of research on CVD risk and the need for intervention to increase awareness and knowledge of heart disease risk among younger and ethnically diverse young women and raises questions about the role of colleges and universities in promotion of student health. Colleges and universities may provide the last opportunity to reach youth as a group to affect lifestyle changes.

Ethnic Differences in Perception of Lung Function

Disparities in pediatric asthma exist in that Latino children have higher prevalence and greater morbidity from asthma than non-Latino white children. The factors behind these disparities are poorly understood, but ethnic-related variations in children's ability to accurately recognize and report their pulmonary functioning may be a contributing process. To determine (1) if differences exist between Latino and non-Latino white children's perceptual accuracy and (2) whether these differences are related to asthma outcomes. Five hundred and twelve children, aged 7-16 years (290 island Puerto Ricans, 115 Rhode Island Latinos, and 107 Rhode Island non-Latino white children) participated in a 5-week home-based protocol in which twice daily they entered subjective estimates of their peak expiratory flow rate into a hand-held, programmable spirometer and then performed spirometry. Their accuracy was summarized as three perceptual accuracy scores. Demographic data, asthma severity, intelligence, emotional expression, and general symptom-reporting tendencies were assessed and covaried in analyses of the relationship of perceptual accuracy to asthma morbidity and health care use. Younger age, female sex, lower intelligence, and poverty were associated with lower pulmonary function perception scores. Island Puerto Rican children had the lowest accuracy and highest magnification scores, followed by Rhode Island Latinos; both differed significantly from non-Latino white children. Perceptual accuracy scores were associated with most indices of asthma morbidity. Controlling for other predictive variables, ethnicity was related to pulmonary function perception ability, as Latino children were less accurate than non-Latino white children. This difference in perceptual ability may contribute to recognized asthma disparities.

Perceptions of campus climate, academic efficacy and academic success among community college students: an ethnic comparison

The present study examined whether there are ethnic differences in perceptions of campus climate, social support, and academic efficacy among community college students, and whether student perceptions were associated with academic success. A total of 475 community college students completed a questionnaire that measured students’ perceptions of cultural congruity, college environment, mentoring, peer social life and academic self efficacy. Ethnic differences were observed, as African American and Caucasian students reported higher levels of cultural congruity than Asian students and higher academic self efficacy than Asian and Latino students. There were also ethnic differences in the relationship between the students’ perceptions and GPA. Cultural congruity and efficacy correlated with GPA among Latino students, academic efficacy correlated with GPA among Asian students, peer social support and college environment correlated with GPA among Caucasians, however, none of the perceptions scales correlated with GPA among African American students. The lack of relationship between academic efficacy and GPA among African American and Caucasians students is discussed.

A comparison of Latino and White citizen satisfaction with police

Latinos represent the fastest growing racial/ethnic population in the United States, yet paradoxically, are one of the least studied groups in the field of criminal justice (Schuck, Lersch, & Verrill, 2004). This study aimed to fill this gap by comparing citizen satisfaction with police among Latinos and Whites in the majority-minority city of San Antonio, Texas. Drawing upon prior research as a guide, the study modeled citizen satisfaction with police from a sample of 592 survey respondents that were contacted by telephone in the fall of 2005. Models across the two groups indicated that neighborhood disorder strongly influenced satisfaction and Latinos had slightly higher satisfaction levels when compared with Whites. Implications for future research are discussed regarding the enhancement of knowledge about ethnic differences in perceptions of police and the larger criminal justice system.

Gender and ethnic differences in perceptions of equal opportunity climate and job outcomes of US Army Reserve component personnel

Abstract We examined equal opportunity climate (EOC) perceptions of reserve component personnel in the US Army ( n = 949). We expected that gender and ethnic group membership would influence perceptions of the equal opportunity climate; and that gender and ethnic group membership would moderate the relationship between equal opportunity climate perceptions and ratings of job satisfaction, organizational commitment and workgroup effectiveness. Consistent with our hypothesis, we found the women and minorities perceptions regarding the equal opportunity climate were less favorable than White men. We also found that both gender and ethnicity moderated the relationship between equal opportunity climate perceptions and job outcomes of these groups. Our findings suggest that different groups are sensitive to particular aspects of EOC (e.g., harassment or discrimination) and that these sensitivities affect job-related outcomes.

Racial and Ethnic Disparities in SSRI Availability in Substance Abuse Treatment

Racial and Ethnic Disparities in SSRI Availability in Substance Abuse Treatment

Racial Differences in Stigmatizing Attitudes Toward People With Mental Illness

Stigma is a significant impediment to the successful treatment of individuals with mental illness, especially among racial minority groups. Although limited, the literature suggests that African Americans are more likely than Caucasians to believe that people with mental illnesses are dangerous. The authors reexamined this issue and assessed whether racial differences also extend to beliefs about how people with mental illness should be treated if violent. A nationally representative probability sample of 1,241 respondents participated in a telephone survey. The analysis focused on the 81 African-American and 590 Caucasian respondents who participated in a vignette experiment about a person with schizophrenia or major depressive disorder. The authors analyzed respondents' perceptions that the person would be violent, as well as their attitudes about blame and punishment. African Americans were more likely than Caucasians to believe that individuals with schizophrenia or major depression would do something violent to other people. At the same time they were less likely to believe these individuals should be blamed and punished for violent behavior. These racial differences were not attributable to sociodemographic factors. The study found racial differences in stigmatizing attitudes toward individuals with mental illness; however, African Americans' negative perception did not necessarily result in endorsement of harsher treatment of mentally ill persons. This study highlights the complexity of the stigma process and emphasizes the need to consider racial differences in developing interventions targeted to improve public attitudes.

Hui Muslim‐Han Chinese Differences in Perceptions on Endogamy in Urban China

Using a survey data set (n?=?1,992) collected in Lanzhou, China, I examine the Hui?–?Han differences in perceptions on intermarriage. The questions I ask in this paper include: What is the extent of interethnic marriages in Lanzhou? Do the Hui and Han feel differently about interethnic marriage? Which ethnic group is more negative about Hui?–?Han marriages and why? Are perceptions about endogamy patterned by ethnicity or socio-economic status or both? I seek plausible answers to these questions in this paper. A preliminary analysis of the 2001 survey data shows a high degree of endogamy in Lanzhou. It also shows that the Hui are more negative about intermarriage than the Han. However, the ethnic differences in perceptions on intermarriage fade away with socio-economic variables controlled.

Social disorganization perceptions, fear of gang crime, and behavioral precautions among Whites, Latinos, and Vietnamese

Gangs were an important media and policy topic during the 1990s, but few studies focused on fear of gangs specifically. Even fewer studies examined ethnic differences in perceptions of community problems, fear, and behavioral precautions due to gangs. Using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) techniques, this article examines differences among Whites, Latinos, and Vietnamese in perceptions of community disorder and diversity, perceived risk and fear of gang crime, and resulting behavioral precautions. Results indicated that Vietnamese were most concerned about community problems and felt most at risk and afraid of gang crimes. Latinos also felt more concerned and more at risk and afraid than Whites did. Most people in all three groups practiced avoidance behaviors to avoid gang crime, but few turned to weapons for protection. Results confirmed that minorities were more afraid and point to the importance of focusing limited policy resources on populations most affected by gangs.

I want to be thin, like you

Research in the area of body image distortion and eating‐disordered attitudes suggests the media contribute to the growing number of eating disorders among college women and adolescent girls because of the propensity of media messages promoting the “thin ideal.”; Research in this same area has found different media effects based on gender and race. While substantial literature exists documenting the behavioral effects of the mass media on these disordered‐eating patterns, a smaller band of literature examines the gender and ethnic differences in perceptions and evaluations of thinness and beauty in women. This study tests 163 undergraduate students ‘ evaluations and expectations for thinness in women, based on the evaluation of 10 models in photographs. Results indicate that African American women and men do respond differently to images of women and do evaluate models differently than their European American counterparts.

Gender and Ethnic Differences in Career Goal Attainment

The purpose of this study was to examine barriers to and facilitators of career goals among college students in the framework of the Social Cognitive Career Theory (R. W. Lent, S. D. Brown, & G. Hackétt, 1994). Questionnaires were completed by 2,743 college freshmen. Chi‐square tests and MANOVA were used to analyze the data. The authors found gender and ethnic differences in perceptions of barriers to career goals. Differences were found by ethnicity, but not by gender, in perceptions of facilitators of career goals. The authors examined factors influencing career choice goals and specific barriers and facilitators. They discuss implications for career counselors.

Ethnic differences in perceptions of body size in middle-aged European, Maori and Pacific people living in New Zealand.

The aim of this study was to compare perceptions of body size in European, Maori and Pacific Islands people with measured body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio and change in BMI since age 21 y. Socio-demographic factors that influenced perceptions of body size were also investigated. Cross-sectional survey. Participants were 5554 workers, aged > or =40 y, recruited from companies in New Zealand during 1988-1990. Prevalences of BMI>25 kg/m2 were: Europeans, 64.7% men, 47.2% women; Maori, 93.2% men, 80.6% women; and Pacific Islanders, 94.1% men, 92.9% women. Similarly, prevalences of BMI >30 kg/m2 were: Europeans, 14.4% men, 14.6% women; Maori, 55.0% men, 41.9% women; and Pacific Islanders, 55.1% men, 71.7% women. At each perception of body size category, Maori and Pacific Islands men and women had a higher BMI than European men and women, respectively. BMI increased with increasing perception of body size in all gender and ethnic groups. Since age 21, increases in BMI were highest in Pacific Islands people and increased with increasing perceptions of body size category in all ethnic and gender groups. BMI adjusted odds (95% CI) of being in a lower perception category for body size were 1.70 (1.38-2.12) in Maori and 8.99 (7.30-11.09) in Pacific people compared to Europeans, 1.27 (1.13-1.42) times higher for people with no tertiary education, 1.41 (1.25-1.59) times higher in people with low socioeconomic status, and 0.94 (0.92- 0.95) for change in BMI since age 21. Nutritional programs aimed at reducing levels of obesity should be ethnic-specific, addressing food and health in the context of their culture, and also take into account the socioeconomic status of the group. On the population level, obesity reduction programs may be more beneficial if they are aimed at the maintenance of weight at age 21.

Ethnic Variation in Attitudes toward Hypertension in Adults Ages 75 and Older

Background. Although critical to the management of hypertension, the attitudes of geriatric patients and possible ethnic group differences in attitudes concerning the disease are poorly understood.Methods. Data from a 1995–1996 population-based survey of 507 Hispanic American, African American, and non-Hispanic white adults ages 75 and older were used to assess ethnic differences in perceptions regarding the cause, prevention, and treatment of hypertension, as well as associations between perceptions and use of preventive health services.Results. African Americans were more likely to attribute hypertension to health behaviors and stress. In contrast, Hispanic Americans were more likely consider the disease a normal part of aging, whereas non-Hispanic whites were more likely to attribute hypertension to heredity or mechanistic causes. Non-Hispanic whites were less likely to perceive hypertension as preventable, whereas Hispanic Americans were less likely to feel that hypertension was treatable. The odds of having a primary care physician, blood pressure checked, or glaucoma checked were lower among older African Americans and Hispanic Americans than older non-Hispanic whites. The odds of having had a recent physical and of emergency room use were higher among African Americans and lower among Hispanic Americans, in relation to non-Hispanic whites.Conclusion. Ethnic differences regarding hypertension were clearly evident in this sample of older adults. In addition, attitudes regarding the cause and treatment of hypertension were found to be associated with both the use and the underuse of preventive health services in all three ethnic groups.

Ethnic Differences in Perceptions, Preparations and Rituals Regarding Death in Singapore

The Study Of Ethnic Interpretations Of Death Paves The Way For A Deeper Understanding Of The Psychosocial And Behavioral Patterns Of Aging. Using A Qualitative Methodology, multiple long interviews were conducted with forty-five non-institutionalized very old Singaporeans (between 70 to 84 years) regarding their life story, attitudes and beliefs, health, family, and community involvement. The three ethnic groups captured were the Chinese, Malays, and Indians. There were similarities as well as differences across the ethnic group in terms of perceptions and preparations for death. Generally, the majority were more concerned with the manner of death than death itself. In terms of preparation for death, the Chinese had more pragmatic strategies than the Malays and Indians. In their old age, the Malays focused on retribution for past sins while the Indians underscored building of good Karma and spiritual upliftment. Understanding the nuances of ethnocultural perceptions and preparation for death provides added value to counselling for older adults and the terminally ill.

The Socialization of Achievement in Poor and Minority Students

Ethnic similarities and differences in children’s perceptions of their parents’ educational socialization practices and attributions for success and failure, and the impact of these variables on mathematics achievement, were examined in a sample of 591 poor African American, Latino, Indo-Chinese, and Caucasian fifth and sixth graders. Students completed the Educational Socialization Scale (ESS), the Sydney Attribution Scale (SAS), and the Wide Range Achievement Test (WRAT) in math. Results revealed distinct ethnic differences in perceptions of educational socialization and attributions. However, the factors that distinguished the groups were not the ones that predicted higher mathematics achievement. Rather, the authors found evidence for the notion that higher achievement is predicted by both cultural universals as well as cultural specifics. Findings are discussed in terms of the culture and contexts of achievement.

Effect of Relationship Length on the Experience, Expression, and Perceived Appropriateness of Jealousy

The effect of relationship length on the perceived appropriateness and intensity of the experience and expression of romantic jealousy among American students was explored. Linear increases in perceived appropriateness and intensity of jealousy were predicted. The results largely supported the hypotheses, with jealousy experience, expression, and perceived appropriateness of jealousy expression increasing over time. However, the perceived appropriateness of jealousy experience did not vary significantly across relationship lengths. Ethnic differences in perceptions of appropriateness of jealousy experience and expression were also found.

Desirability of various life change events among adolescents: Effects of exposure, sex, age, and ethnicity

Adolescence is a time when lifelong competencies and coping strategies develop. As a consequence, teenagers may be particularly vulnerable to stressful events. This study examines the impact (or desirability) of life change events in relation to demographic differences and previous exposure. The perceived desirability of 39 life events was reported by 1018 adolescents in the 10th, 11th, and 12th grades. Females typically gave more extreme responses, either positively or negatively, than males. Several small age effects were obtained, and there were ethnic differences in perception of stressfulness. Previous exposure increased the perceived desirability (or decreased undesirability) of the event relative to those who had not experienced the event. Event clusters differentially predicted averaged cluster desirabilities. Implications of these results for the development of adolescent and adult coping strategies and the efficient integration of stressful life change are discussed.