Lack Of Access To Health Care Research Articles

Literature Review: Opioid Crisis in South West, Nigeria

The opioid crisis in Southwest Nigeria has significantly increased, with socioeconomic factors such as lack of healthcare access, unemployment, and poverty exacerbating the problem. The review explores the interactions between biological variables, cutting-edge technologies, financial constraints, and environmental factors that contribute to drug abuse and substance use disorders. It also analyzes the major classes of opioids and distinguishes between medicinal and non-medical uses. The epidemic has negative impacts on personal well-being, healthcare infrastructure, and societal cohesion. The research suggests a multifaceted strategy, including interventions and policy implications. It suggests reducing poverty as a first step in treating the underlying causes, increasing access to mental health services, early detection and intervention programs, and public awareness initiatives to prevent disease. Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is also emphasized as a recovery strategy. The evaluation advocates for policy changes, tighter guidelines for opioid prescriptions, and public awareness initiatives to inform people about opiate abuse risks and encourage cautious use.

Undiagnosed hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus among Marshallese adults in the Republic of the Marshall Islands.

Given the lack of healthcare access in the Republic of the Marshall Island (RMI) and the potential for complications related to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and hypertension, it is crucial to examine these conditions among Marshallese in the RMI. This study aims to identify the proportion of Marshallese adults in the RMI with undiagnosed T2DM and hypertension. Using a community-based participatory research approach, screening events were conducted at 20 churches in Majuro Atoll. Participants completed a questionnaire and biometric data measures, including hemoglobin A1c and blood pressure. Among participants with blood pressure data (N = 528), 11.9% had readings indicative of hypertension, and 38.1% were undiagnosed. Among participants with hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) data (N = 450), 45.3% had readings indicative of T2DM, and 39.2% were undiagnosed. This study utilized a community-based participatory research approach that promotes equitable and ethical research. Results reaffirm the need to identify strategies for increasing healthcare access and for research to address health disparities in the RMI.

A Qualitative Study Comparing the Patient and Provider Experience in an Academic Blood Disorder Center

Introduction: Health disparities have been reported in several areas of hematologic and oncologic care. The NCI reports African American males develop cancer 25% more frequently than White males, and they have 43% higher mortality compared to Non-Hispanic Whites in all cancers combined. Hispanic ethnicity is also disproportionately affected in cancer care, in part due to lack of health care access (J Oncol Pract. 2006). Within hematologic care, differences in care and outcomes have been reported in diseases including sickle cell disease (SCD). Patients with SCD experience health disparities, including lack of knowledge on treatment options and misconceptions on opioid addiction (Shapiro et al. 1997). Our goal was to gain firsthand patient accounts of experiences in access and quality of hematological care at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Center. Methods: The study aimed to obtain surveys from 40 patients with 20 patients from under-represented minorities (Black, Hispanic, Native American, or Asian) and 20 patients from non-minority groups. Patients aged 18 or older treated in the Division of Hematology at University of Colorado were eligible for the study. Providers from our Division also participated the study. The surveys assessed general beliefs, experiences, and biases in 7 questions (Figure 1). Responses were based on a Likert scale ranging from ‘never’ to ‘very often’. Patients could also participate in an optional interview to further describe their experiences. Enrollment will continue through September 2023. Results: Our interim analysis includes data from 15 patients, 4 non-Hispanic White, 3 Hispanic, and 8 non-Hispanic Black patients. 78 providers from our Division also participated in the survey. Non-Hispanic Black patients were more likely to respond that our healthcare system unfairly treats individuals based on race or ethnic backgrounds, and this was more likely to occur when a patient and healthcare provider were of a different race or ethnic background. This was not the case in the Hispanic patient cohort. Provider responses mirrored the responses from non-Hispanic Black patients, suggesting our providers are aware of disparities in healthcare. However, 78% of providers agreed they had implicit biases they could identify, and although 69% of them agreed theyfelt knowledgeable and informed about issues regarding race and ethnicity, and how these issues may manifest in a healthcare setting, 46% of providers noticed implicit or explicit biases in their colleagues related to race or ethnicity. Individual patient interviews gave further insight into areas where improvement can be made. Black patients, particularly those who volunteered their diagnosis of SCD, expressed there is a lack of knowledge in the treatment of SCD outside of specialized centers. Further, misconceptions about pain crises can lead to undertreatment. One subject stated “With sickle cell disease, sometimes we have a lot of pain even though it may not look like it”... “Because we live with pain every day, when we go to the ER it is because we are in excruciating pain ”. Other underrepresented minority subjects also discussed barriers to their healthcare. One subject stated “In 2016 when I came to the US, I was sick and I went to the Emergency and we were new in town” ... “we didn't have any insurance. I found myself with 20 thousand dollars in hospital bills”.... “I didn't know, and it was too expensive. And it impacted me negatively because I am afraid, being honest, if it wasn't for Medicaid I wouldn't come to the hospital, you wouldn't see me there”. Conclusions: Our results highlight there are differences between the experience of our Black patients compared to non-Black patients. Further, provider questionnaires also highlight discrepancies about how we identify and address biases. Results from this study highlight areas needing improvement within our Division, which will lead to interventions such as bias training for providers. Further, dissemination of information on misconceptions on SCD at our institution, and at the community settings is critical to improving patient care for this patient population. Identifying additional barriers to health care access such as financial needs and lack of insurance is also critical to closing gaps within our healthcare system.

Assessing the impact of the skin cancer awareness now (SCAN!) intervention several months following the intervention

BackgroundWest Virginia (WV) is the third most rural state in the US and has a high incidence of skin cancer. Intervention efforts in WV are impeded by structural barriers, low health literacy, and lack of health care access. Community pharmacies and pharmacists are highly accessible and may be helpful in promoting skin cancer prevention. Objective(s)The purpose of the study was to evaluate the impact of the Skin Cancer Awareness Now (SCAN!) pharmacy-based sun-safety intervention at follow-up. MethodsSurveys assessed SCAN’s effect on skin cancer prevention at preintervention and follow-up. The follow-up survey was administered between 8 and 12 months after our initial feasibility study. Questions included demographics, cancer history, cancer worry, knowledge, cancer communication, and skin cancer screening intentions. Multivariate repeated measures ANOVA assessed the change in worry, importance, knowledge, and intentions to be sun safe. ResultsParticipants (n=56, response rate= 62.2%) had a mean age of 44.7 (standard deviation: 19.3) years. Most were females (87.5%), Whites (92.9%), and 48.2% lived in rural areas. Knowledge and intentions significantly improved over time. At follow-up, participants (41.1%) mentioned that they plan on discussing skin cancer prevention with their pharmacist in the future. ConclusionThe SCAN! intervention can be a useful resource for skin cancer prevention in community pharmacy settings. Community pharmacies have the potential to be change agents in skin cancer prevention by providing education on sun protection or detection and by promoting sun-safety behaviors.

Fireside Chat on the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Special Edition of the Health Equity Journal Featuring Authors.

Fireside Chat on the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Special Edition of the Health Equity Journal Featuring Authors.

Syndemic Conditions and Their Association with HIV/STI Sexual Risk Behaviors Among Transgender Women and Cisgender Men Sex Workers in Catalonia: The SexCohort Project.

Transgender women and cisgender men sex workers are vulnerable to HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). This study aimed to explore in depth the prevalence of syndemic conditions and their association with the sexual risk behaviors for HIV/STI acquisition in cis men and trans women sex workers in Barcelona (Catalonia, Spain). We conducted a study between 2014 and 2018 to determine whether syndemic conditions (frequent alcohol consumption and polydrug use (> 2) during sex with clients; experience of violence; and lack of healthcare access) are associated with HIV/STI sexual risk behaviors. A "syndemic index" was calculated based on the cumulative number of syndemic conditions (0 to 4). In the last year (2018), 78.8% of cisgender men and 68.1% of transgender women reported at least one syndemic condition. The most prevalent syndemic factor in both cisgender men and transgender women was violence (38.8% and 43.6% respectively). In multivariable analysis, an association was found between condomless anal sex and violence (aOR = 1.81), and frequent alcohol consumption and violence with reporting > 10 clients/week (aOR = 2.73 and 1.88, respectively). The higher the number of syndemic factors, the greater probability of having > 10 clients/week and reporting condomless anal sex with clients. Psychosocial conditions have a syndemic effect on risky sexual behaviors highlighting the need for a more holistic approach to HIV/STI prevention targeting these populations.

Multi-Institutional Evaluation of Health Disparities in Rural Cervical Cancer Patients

<h3>Purpose/Objective(s)</h3> Cervical cancer remains a significant concern for both rural and urban populations in the US. Overall treatment time from the start of chemoradiation to completion of brachytherapy is known to correlate with local control and overall survival. Rural populations experience health disparities which are multi-factorial and vary by region, but a commonality is lack of healthcare access and distance to tertiary care centers. The purpose of this study is to examine the health disparities due to geographic location for women with locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC) presenting to tertiary care facilities and identify factors that influence their treatment and outcomes. <h3>Materials/Methods</h3> A multi-institutional retrospective cohort study was conducted including data from 5 tertiary care centers across the United States. Women with LACC defined as FIGO 2018 IB3-IVA treated with definitive intent RT ±chemotherapy from Jan 2011 to Jan 2021 were included. Clinical, pathologic, radiologic, demographic, and treatment parameters as well as disease outcomes were collected. Geographic location was collected, and zip code was used to determine urban (pop ≥10,000) or rural (pop <10,000) residency. Univariate analyses were used to determine the effects of these variables on disease outcomes. Overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. <h3>Results</h3> 613 patients were included from diverse regions of the country. Median OS was 27 months (range 0-133) and median RFS was 19.4 months (range 0-123.5). Urban (N=534, 87%) or rural (N=79, 13%) residence was not correlated with overall treatment time (p = 0.50) or cervical cancer specific survival (p = 0.32). The median time from diagnosis to start of RT was significantly shorter in the rural patient population than in the urban population (28 days v. 41 days, p = 0.002). There was no significant association between time from diagnosis to start of RT and cervical cancer specific survival (p = 0.07) or between overall treatment time and cervical cancer specific survival (p = 0.26). There was, however, a significant association between overall treatment time and time to recurrence, with each day of increase in treatment time leading to a 1.1% increased risk of recurrence (p = 0.03, HR = 1.011). <h3>Conclusion</h3> In this group of patients we found no differences in treatment time or outcomes between urban and rural residents and surprisingly, rural patients had a shorter median time from diagnosis to start of treatment when compared to the urban patient group. As is already known, there was a significant relationship between treatment time and time to recurrence, highlighting the importance of timely treatment in patients with LACC. We are adding data from several more centers and will be evaluating the populations with more granularity to identify challenges faced by our patients and resources that may be helpful.

Suicides Among Non-Elderly Adult Hispanics, 2010-2020.

Most research on suicides focuses on youth or the elderly and dominant groups of a population. The purpose of this study was to assess suicide trends for non-elderly adult Hispanics (age 20–64 years) over the past decade (2010–2020). Data from the Web-Based Injury Statistics Query and Reporting System (WISQARS) were analyzed for the study period. Suicides for Hispanics in 2010 were the 7th leading cause of death and became the 5th leading cause of death by 2020. During the decade of analyses, suicide rates increased 35.7% for males and 40.6% for females. Non-elderly Hispanic males were most likely to die by hanging/suffocation (2010 = 42%, 2020 = 41%), or firearms (2010 = 39%, 2020 = 42%). Whereas, Hispanic adult females were most likely to use hanging/suffocation (2010 = 36%, 2020 = 43%) or poisoning (2010 = 27%, 2020 = 19%) for completed suicides. In 2020, the top three states for non-elderly Hispanic adult suicides (per 100,000 population) were Colorado (25.52), New Mexico (23.99), and Utah (21.73). The Hispanic population continues to grow, but also faces chronicity of prejudice, underemployment, lack of healthcare access, multiple stressors, and rising levels of suicide. The reduction of adult Hispanic suicides would require additional resources, interventions, and research to understand prevention and risk factors.

Leveraging Black pharmacists to promote equity in COVID-19 vaccine uptake within Black communities: A framework for researchers and clinicians.

Black Americans are disproportionately represented among coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19)‐related morbidities and mortalities. While the COVID‐19 vaccines are positioned to change this disparity, vaccine hesitancy, attributed to decades of systemic racism and mistreatment by the United States health care system, heavily exists among this racially and ethnically minoritized group. In addition, social determinants of health within Black communities including the lack of health care access and inequitable COVID‐19 vaccine allocation, further impacts vaccine uptake. Black pharmacists have worked to address the pandemic's deleterious effects that have been recognized within Black communities, as they are intimately aware of the structural and systematic limitations that contribute to lower vaccination rates in comparison to other racial and ethnic groups. Black pharmacists have been integral to promoting equity in COVID‐19 uptake within Black communities by disseminating factual, trustworthy information in collaboration with community leaders, advocating for the equitable access to the immunizations into vulnerable areas, and creating, low‐barrier, options to distribute the vaccines. Herein, we thoroughly explain these points and offer a framework that describes the role of Black pharmacists in narrowing vaccine equity gaps.

Institutional review of African American (AA) patients with metastatic triple-negative breast cancer.

e13059 Background: Atezolizumab+ Abraxane (Ate+Abx) was approved as 1st line treatment in metastatic TNBC based on IMPASSION (IM) 130 trial and was subsequently withdrawn per IM131 trial. Treatment of mTNBC remains challenging. Pembrolizumab with chemotherapy received accelerated approval based on Keynote-355. Poor outcomes among AA patients (pts) are linked to biological differences, BRCA1/2 mutations, obesity, and socioeconomic barriers. In TNBC clinical trials, AA pts continue to be underrepresented, e.g., 5.8% (26) in IM130 and 4.9% (21) in IM131. Our cancer center sees over 300 new BC pts a year, and at least 50% identify as AA. Here we examine our institutional experience. Methods: IRB-approved retrospective database search was conducted between 01/01/2019- 04/16/2021 to identify 11 pts treated with Ate+Abx for mTNBC at Medstar Washington Hospital Center, DC. Demographic variables manually extracted were age, BMI, insurance type and outcomes. Results: 10/11 (91%) pts were AA with lines of therapy ranging 1-6. 20% (2/10) showed partial response (PR) on 3-month (M) interval imaging per the RECIST 1.1 scoring. PD occurred in 6/10 (60%) of pts, although PD-L1 was positive in 90% (9/10) pts. Time to progression (TTP) was 1-7 M (median 3M) compared to TTP of 5.59 to 7.46M (median 7.16M) for all races in the IM130 study. Autoimmune colitis, peripheral neuropathy, and fatigue were notable adverse effects (AEs). 2/10 (20%) pts discontinued treatment due to AEs. Colitis and neuropathy in IM130 were &lt;1%. Mean age at drug initiation was 52.2 vs. 55 years in IM130, indicating earlier onset of mTNBC in the AA population. Conclusions: Trends of higher PD and earlier TTP were noted in our AA pts. Young age at metastasis, high number of previous lines of therapy, high number of metastatic sites, and obesity were noted amongst our AA mTNBC pts. Positive PD-L1, BRCA mutations, metastatic sites, BMI, or insurance type did not correlate with outcomes. Pts with PR vs. PD were not different in terms of insurance, metastasis sites, and BMI. Differences in AEs are noted; however, the small pt population size and lack of a control group are limitations. While the FDA has withdrawn Ate from trials for mTNBC, this study suggests a need for more AA pts to be included in clinical trials for TNBC. Lack of health care access, insufficient education, inadequate recruitment, and distrust of the medical system are contributing factors that require continued efforts.[Table: see text]

Not just biology: Comparing social determinants of health in patients diagnosed with late-stage lung, breast, and colon cancer.

e18582 Background: Lung, colorectal, and breast cancer account for the majority of cancer deaths in the U.S. Patients with late stage lung cancer have the shortest survival of the three, and lung cancer patients are more likely to be diagnosed at later stages. We undertook this study to compare social determinants of health in patients diagnosed with late stages of lung, breast, and colon cancer to assess the impact they have on health and mortality. Methods: Data from the National Cancer Database was used for this study. We compared factors including insurance, income, and residency among late stage cancer patients (Stage III and IV). We also compared baseline health status measured by comorbidity index. Descriptive statistics were used to compare patient characteristics. Statistical significance was determined on the basis of a two-sided p value &lt; 0.05. All statistical analysis was performed using SAS, version 9.4. Results: Between 2004 - 2016, 3,005,513 patients were diagnosed with lung (1,004,999), breast (1,309,796), and colon (690,718) cancer. The racial make-up of the groups was similar. 72.5% of lung cancer patients were diagnosed at late stage compared to 48.8% of colon and 13.8% of breast cancer patients. Patients with late stage lung cancer were more likely to have income &lt; $38,000, reside in rural locations, and less likely to have private insurance. Late stage lung cancer patients were 2 and 4 times more likely to have at least 2 comorbidities than patients with colon and breast cancer respectively. Conclusions: Patients with lung cancer are disproportionately affected by several negative social determinants of health. The association between smoking and lung cancer may help explain this because the highest smoking rates in the U.S. occur in populations with lower income, low education status, less insurance coverage, and significantly more comorbidities (e.g. COPD, Heart Disease). These patients are dealing with the complex interplay of negative social determinants of health and worse baseline health status causing delays in diagnosis and treatment when compared to other cancers. Recognizing this may allow systems to better support this disadvantaged population and improve access to screening, clinical trial inclusion, and personalized treatment options while working longitudinally to reverse the systemic factors affecting disproportionate tobacco use and lack of healthcare access in for this underserved population.

Disparities in Guideline-Concordant Treatment and Survival Among Border County Residents With Gastric Cancer.

Previous studies have shown health disparities among US-Mexico border county (BC) residents. However, the impact of BC residence on gastric cancer treatment and survival outcomes is unknown. Our study compares the receipt of guideline-concordant care (GCC) and survival for patients with gastric cancer by BC status. We conducted a retrospective review of adult non-Hispanic White and Hispanic patients with gastric adenocarcinoma diagnosed between 2004 and 2017 in the Texas Cancer Registry. Chi-square tests were used to compare categorical group differences, with pooled t-tests used to compare group means. The impact of BC residence on likelihood of receiving GCC was assessed with logistic regression. Overall survival was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method and compared with log-rank tests. Our cohort consisted of 12,514 patients (15% BC). Overall, 45% of nonborder county residents received GCC versus 35% of BC residents (P < .0001). After adjusting for age, race, stage, and insurance status, BC patients remained significantly less likely to receive GCC (odds ratio 0.69; 95% CI, 0.61 to 0.78). BC residence was associated with increased hazard of all-cause mortality after accounting for age, race, stage, poverty index, and treatment receipt (hazard ratio 1.11; 95% CI, 1.04 to 1.18). BC residents had significantly worse overall survival for localized and regional disease. BC residents with gastric cancer are less likely to receive GCC and have significantly worse survival outcomes than nonborder county residents. This highlights significant health care disparities arising from the lack of health care access and multiple social determinants of health. Further studies are needed to identify specific contributing mechanisms to improve health care equity.

Nurse practitioner and physician assistant onboarding in a family medicine practice.

The nurse practitioner (NP) and physician assistant (PA) professions are rapidly growing. Historically, these professions have filled a health care delivery gap caused by lack of health care access and physician shortages. Many medical practices are more accustomed to adding new physicians as compared with adding new NPs or PAs. This article describes one institution's approach to develop and implement a successful NP/PA onboarding program. Several key components are discussed, including (1) established roles and responsibilities, (2) a clear timeline of the onboarding period including a foundational curriculum, (3) the mentor-mentee relationship, (4) the onboarding checklist, and (5) the onboarding itinerary. The objective was to have our NPs/PAs on a regular patient calendar within the 6-month period. The success rate with this has been 86%. In addition, there has been a 90% retention of NP/PA hires over the past 3 years. The authors believe this approach to NP/PA onboarding serves the patients well, providing excellent patient outcomes and patient experience.

Assessing Attitudes Toward COVID-19 Prevention: Defining Two Attitudes Crucial for Understanding Systemic and Social Variables Associated with Disparities.

This study tested a conceptual model identifying two distinct types of attitudes people may have toward following recommendations to prevent COVID-19. These attitudes were expected to be important for understanding types of systemic and social variables associated with health disparities such as racial discrimination, residential environment, lack of healthcare access, and negative healthcare experiences. The conceptual model was drawn from previous work examining adherence to medical recommendations that identified two distinct and consequential attitudes that influence behavior: perceived benefit (believing recommendations are effective and necessary) and perceived burden (experiencing recommendations as unpleasant or difficult). Approximately equal proportions of Black and White individuals living in the USA (N = 194) were recruited to complete an online survey. A psychometric analysis indicated that perceived benefit and burden attitudes were two distinct and meaningful dimensions that could be assessed with high validity, and scales demonstrated measurement invariance across Black and White groups. In correlation analyses, benefit and burden attitudes were robustly associated with neighborhood violence, healthcare access, and healthcare experiences (but not with experiences of discrimination), and all these associations remained significant after accounting for subjective stress and political affiliation. These findings have implications for increasing compliance to public health recommendations and addressing health disparities.

Breaking Inertia: Movement Along the PrEP Cascade in a Longitudinal US National Cohort of Sexual Minority Individuals at Risk for HIV.

The pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) cascade outlines sequential steps to maximize PrEP's impact and highlights potential intervention targets to improve PrEP implementation. We evaluate the PrEP cascade in the Together 5000 study (T5K). T5K is an internet-based, US national cohort study of PrEP-eligible men and trans persons who have sex with men who were not taking PrEP at enrollment. Using longitudinal data from baseline (2017-2018) and year 1 follow-up (2018-2019, n = 4229), we evaluated 5 steps of the PrEP cascade-PrEP contemplation: believes they are a good candidate for PrEP; PrEParation: plans to initiate PrEP; PrEP action: speaks to a provider about PrEP; PrEP initiation: receives a prescription for PrEP; and PrEP maintenance: continues to take PrEP. We compared the cascade across geographic region and identified factors associated with gaps in the cascade. After 1 year, 1092 (26%) participants had initiated PrEP, 709 (17%) were still using PrEP, and 177 (4%) were no longer clinically indicated for PrEP. Participants in the South and Midwest were less likely to speak to a provider about PrEP or initiate PrEP. Baseline characteristics associated with lower odds of PrEP initiation at year 1 include: not having a college degree; earning <$20,000/year; not having health insurance; having very low food security; and not having a primary care doctor. Lack of health care access is a major barrier to PrEP implementation and may exacerbate disparities in PrEP uptake across geographic regions.

Sociodemographic Disparities in the Treatment of Hypothyroidism: NHANES 2007-2012.

PurposeBoth undertreatment and overtreatment of hypothyroidism with thyroid hormone are associated with adverse clinical outcomes. Disparities in the treatment of hypothyroidism may lead to a higher risk of adverse outcomes for certain sociodemographic groups. Our objectives were to identify sociodemographic disparities between those with treated and untreated hypothyroidism, and between those who were adequately and inadequately treated.MethodsThis is a cross-sectional study of a representative sample of US adults aged 20 years and older with hypothyroidism (n = 698). The main measures were age, gender, race/ethnicity, education, income, and health care access differences among those with treated and untreated hypothyroidism.ResultsOf those with hypothyroidism, women were more likely than men to be taking thyroid hormone (odds ratio [OR] 2.66 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.42–4.99]), as were older participants (45–69 years old vs 20–44 years old: OR 7.25 [95% CI 4.15–12.67]; 70 years of age and older: OR 11.00 [95% CI 5.30–22.79]). Health care access was strongly associated with thyroid hormone use (OR 14.32, 95% CI 3.63–56.58). Hispanic race/ethnicity was associated with inadequate treatment compared with non-Hispanic whites (OR 2.42, 95% CI: 1.14–5.14).Main ConclusionsMale gender, younger age, and lack of health care access were associated with untreated hypothyroidism, and Hispanic race was associated with inadequate treatment of hypothyroidism. Clinicians should be aware of these sociodemographic disparities in the hypothyroid population and consider strategies to improve treatment of hypothyroidism in men, younger adults, Hispanics, and those without routine health care access.

Confronting COVID-19 in under-resourced, African American neighborhoods: a qualitative study examining community member and stakeholders’ perceptions

ABSTRACT Objective The purpose of this study was to examine perceptions of COVID-19 related to prevention, coping, and testing of African American residents in under-resourced communities in Alabama. Design Guided by the PRECEDE-PROCEED model, virtual focus groups were conducted in five urban and rural Alabama communities using secure Zoom meetings. Community residents and stakeholders (N = 36 total) participated; meetings were audio- and video-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed according to Thematic Analysis. Themes were organized by the PRECEDE portion of the model in Predisposing, Reinforcing, and Enabling barriers and facilitators in three focus areas: prevention, coping, and testing. Results Prevention barriers included apathy, difficulty with social distancing, lack of information, mixed messages from authority figures, and lack of personal protective equipment (PPE). Prevention facilitators included concerns about contracting COVID-19, clear and consistent messages from trusted sources, contact tracing, and the provision of PPE. Coping barriers included food insecurity, mental health issues, isolation, economic hardships, lack of health care access, and issues with virtual schooling and church services, which were exacerbated by the inability to connect to the internet. Facilitators to coping included religious faith, increased physical activity, and a sense of hope. Testing barriers included misunderstanding, fear, mistrust, testing restrictions, and location of testing sites. Facilitators to testing included incentives, clear information from trusted sources, convenient testing locations, and free tests. Conclusion Gaining community members’ perspectives can identify barriers and facilitators to prevention, coping, and testing and potentially improve outcomes. While addressing the social determinants of health (e.g. income, education, medical trust) would be an effective path by which to diminish health disparities related to COVID-19, there is an urgent need to mitigate the spread and severity of COVID-19 in vulnerable populations. Interventions should focus on downstream determinants, such as those emerging from our study.

Racial Disparities in Triple Negative Breast Cancer: A Review of the Role of Biologic and Non-biologic Factors.

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive subtype of breast cancer that lacks expression of the estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER2). TNBC constitutes about 15–30 percent of all diagnosed invasive breast cancer cases in the United States. African-American (AA) women have high prevalence of TNBC with worse clinical outcomes than European-American (EA) women. The contributing factors underlying racial disparities have been divided into two major categories based on whether they are related to lifestyle (non-biologic) or unrelated to lifestyle (biologic). Our objective in the present review article was to understand the potential interactions by which these risk factors intersect to drive the initiation and development of the disparities resulting in the aggressive TNBC subtypes in AA women more likely than in EA women. To reach our goal, we conducted literature searches using MEDLINE/PubMed to identify relevant articles published from 2005 to 2019 addressing breast cancer disparities primarily among AA and EA women in the United States. We found that disparities in TNBC may be attributed to racial differences in biological factors, such as tumor heterogeneity, population genetics, somatic genomic mutations, and increased expression of genes in AA breast tumors which have direct link to breast cancer. In addition, a large number of non-biologic factors, including socioeconomic deprivation adversities associated with poverty, social stress, unsafe neighborhoods, lack of healthcare access and pattern of reproductive factors, can promote comorbid diseases such as obesity and diabetes which may adversely contribute to the aggression of TNBC biology in AA women. Further, the biological risk factors directly linked to TNBC in AA women may potentially interact with non-biologic factors to promote a higher prevalence of TNBC, more aggressive biology, and poor survival. The relative contributions of the biologic and non-biologic factors and their potential interactions is essential to our understanding of disproportionately high burden and poor survival rates of AA women with TNBC.

Inclusion of American Indians and Alaskan Natives in Large National Studies: Ethical Considerations and Implications for Biospecimen Collection in the HEALthy Brain and Child Development Study.

This manuscript is the result of an interdisciplinary team approach to examine the ethical and cultural considerations of biospecimen collection among American Indian and Alaskan Native (AIAN) communities for the planned Healthy Brain and Child Development (HBCD) study. We begin by reviewing a brief history of the treatment of AIAN communities by the US government and within research studies. Based in part on this history, we highlight the overlapping and intersecting vulnerabilities of AIAN communities, including historical trauma, poverty, lack of healthcare access, and environmental hazards. After consideration of ethical and legal implications, we introduce our recommendations for biospecimen collection/biobanking with AIAN communities in the context of population-representative, multi-site, national studies. We recommend the following key considerations: (1) authentic partnership development; (2) beneficence to the community; (3) culturally respectful research design; (4) meaningful consent to support enrollment and retention; (5) culturally appropriate data management. Adherence to a culturally aware approach for inclusion of underrepresented communities assures external validity in the national studies and increases likelihood of bidirectional value exchange.

Associated factors and sex differences in condom non-use among adolescents: Brazilian National School Health Survey (PeNSE)

BackgroundCondom non-use among sexually active adolescents is a major cause of unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. In order to promote condom use, it is essential to understand factors associated with condom non-use.AimOur aim was to evaluate sex differences and associated factors of condom non-use based on the nationally representative Brazilian National School Health Survey.MethodsThe study participants were 100,962 adolescents 13–18 years old, 9th graders from both public and private schools throughout Brazil. The following factors were considered as explanatory group variables for the outcome of condom non-use among adolescents: school and health service, sexual behavior, substance use, and self-reported body and health perception. Poisson regression model was performed.ResultsOf the total students, 28% (n = 28,157) had had sexual intercourse at least once. (boys, 37.1%; girls, 19.5%). Of these, 69.2% had used condoms the last time they had intercourse (girls: 68%; boys: 69.9%). The variables associated with condom non-use for both sexes were not having accessed a health service or approached a health professional for health-related care; not having received pregnancy prevention counseling or guidance on AIDS or STI prevention at school; early sexual initiation; no additional contraception method; substance use; feeling alone; not being satisfied with their own body; feeling fat or thin; and poor self-reported health. The number of sexual partners was also associated with condom non-use; however, contrasting behavior was indicated between sexes. A higher number of sexual partners indicated less use of condoms among girls, while for boys, a higher number of sexual partners indicated higher condom use.ConclusionHigh condom non-use appears to be associated with lack of health care access and sexual health education, poor sexual practices, substance use, and poor self-perception, indicating areas for health promotion programs.