Browsing by Author "Messmore, Niki"
Now showing 1 - 10 of 11
Results Per Page
Sort Options
Item An Analysis of Indiana Youth Group Demographics(Proceedings of IMPRS, 2023-01-26) Gross, Rachel; Abraham, Olivia; Messmore, NikiThis study examines the demographics of the youth attending Indiana Youth Group (IYG) programs and how the demographics of the IYG attendees compare to youth in Marion County, Indiana at large. Indiana Youth Group is a center based in Indianapolis that serves LGBTQ+ youth ages 12-24 that creates safer spaces to build community and offers harm-reduction programs that empower youth to build confidence, explore their identities, and foster friendships. IYG provides a wide array of programs free of charge, including basic needs, support groups, arts and crafts, sexual health education, STI/HIV testing, case management, mental health counseling, and affinity groups to lessen the impact of stressors most faced by LGBTQ+ youth and increase self-efficacy. Based on our analysis of demographic data from the 2020 IYG Annual Report and the 2020 Indiana Youth Institute (IYI) County Snapshots, we found that IYG attendees are less diverse than the greater Marion County youth population in terms of race in 2020. IYG serves a higher proportion of white youth and a lower proportion of Black and Hispanic/Latinx compared to the Marion County population. Our study proposes the following strategies to broaden outreach to racially minoritized populations: identify and build relationships with trusted community-based organizations (CBOs) within Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities, invest in health education and health literacy, and increase language access by conveying program information through trusted community messengers. Organizational changes could include cultural competency and social justice training for staff that specifically focuses on the intersection between systemic racism and LGBTQ+ oppression.Item Engaging end-users to understand the usefulness and applicability of data visualization tools: A systemic review.(2022-07-29) Wojciechowska, Klaudia; Messmore, NikiBACKGROUND: As part of the response efforts to the opioid epidemic, various local and state health departments are developing opioid data dashboards containing visualizations, descriptive information, and downloadable data or reports. Such dashboards can potentially improve our understanding of the opioid epidemic, facilitate community planning, promote evidence-based decision making, and support monitoring and evaluation. However, government resources are primarily devoted to collecting and using data for analysis, rather than for communication or orienting communities toward action. A major challenge for staff preparing data products is the uncertainty about the end users and their desired usage of data. This project studies the degree of success to which data producers have engaged data consumers to understand the usefulness and applicability of their data visualization tools. METHODS: A literature review was conducted to assess end-user experience of visualizations of opioid-related data sets. Peer-reviewed journal articles were found via PubMed. Only studies published between 2015 and 2022 were included. Literature searches involved keywords such as “data dashboards”, “public health data”, and “public health data visualizations”. RESULTS: At the time of this lit review, there are no studies that assess end-user experience of opioid data visualizations. As such, the scope of the research was broadened to examine whether data producers have gauged community feedback on their public health data visualization products, regardless of the focus of the data. For many studies, researchers concluded that soliciting end-user feedback for the creation of data visualization products is of the utmost importance. When dashboards are designed with the input of end users, the tools improve their workflow because they create new capabilities to explore data dynamically. Too often dashboards emphasize quantitative data, without a foundational understanding of the needs, numerical literacy, and available time and ability of the intended audience.Item Girls STEM Institute – Identity Formation for Black Girls in STEM Fields(Indiana Medical Student Program for Research and Scholarship (IMPRS), 2022) Abufares, Sabria A.; Hill Morton, Crystal; Messmore, NikiBackground: Women of color are disproportionately represented in STEM fields. While many systemic barriers exist due to institutional racism, other barriers begin in school that impact students’ perceptions of self and STEM. Identity formation is an integral part of learner development but adverse learning experiences have drastic effects on Black girls’ perceptions and self-efficacy within STEM fields. Girls STEM Institute (GSI) is an organization that develops a transformative space to empower girls of color through exploration of STEM concepts in meaningful, culturally-grounded ways. The purpose of this study is to examine and explore how the GSI experience impact students’ interest and attitudes towards STEM fields. Methods: The STEM semantics survey measuring students’ interest in STEM subjects and careers was conducted amongst 42 scholars. Student perceptions of their GSI experience were obtained through journal reflections. A literature review was conducted to gain an understanding of the intersectionality of the Black girl experience, especially within STEM topics. Results: The study is currently in progress. Preliminary data has been obtained but further data analysis is required. Potential Impact: While the inequities that minoritized students face have been well researched and documented, critically developing initiatives to reform these inequities have been limited to individual pipeline programs and undergraduate research programs focused on diversity. While these programs have been beneficial in increasing inclusivity of minoritized students in collegiate settings, it is not enough to study and discuss the barriers that minoritized students face. It is essential to transform communities through the empowerment of youth, especially Black girls. GSI provides a framework for holistically engaging with the girls to develop their self-identity, instilling the confidence to pursue STEM careers, and providing career readiness experiences, which can cultivate a strong STEM-minded identity for Black girls.Item The Hidden Costs of Incarceration(2021-07-29) Huntington, Christian; Messmore, NikiPeople who have been incarcerated face many obstacles, many of which are not immediately clear to those who do not have experience with the justice system. In addition to direct consequences such as loss of housing and employment due to being in jail or prison, there are many additional repercussions which have been referred to as “collateral” or “indirect” consequences. These consequences, which may seem relatively insignificant when considered individually, have an additive effect on the incarcerated individual and their loved ones which hinders transition back into society. When considering the goals of the justice system, regardless of whether an emphasis is placed on punishment or rehabilitation, there is a vested interest for society as a whole to make reintegration as simple as possible. These hidden costs, which will be discussed in this submission, hinder this reintegration for those who have been incarcerated, which reinforces the cycle of incarceration through increasing recidivism and stigma against those who have been incarcerated. This submission aims to show the importance of lessening stigma against those who have been incarcerated and lowering institutional barriers to reentry. In this study, Interviews were conducted with residents and staff members of Dismas House of Indiana, Inc. in order to explore the barriers that they have faced through incarceration. Many hidden costs of incarceration were discussed for both the individual and their loved ones and for the state. Costs and fees associated with phone calls, visitation, laundry, hygiene products, and other goods purchased from commissary at a markup make up a significant financial burden for an inmate and their families. Even after release, loss of belongings as well as fees associated with home detention and work release programs can be significant as well. Aside from direct financial impacts, incarceration has collateral consequences on mental health, as well as impeded access to healthcare, jobs, transportation, and housing.Item The Impact of a Lack of Diversity in Leadership Positions on Self-Perceptions and Views of Success in Latino/a/x Youth(2022-07-29) Thomas, Jordan; Zeh, Janie; Messmore, NikiBACKGROUND: The Boys and Girls Club (BGC) is a national organization that cares for diverse youths ages 6-18. At a national level, BGC states that a commitment to inclusion is a core value. This research explores the demographic makeup of BGC of Tippecanoe County’s staff/volunteer members and analyzes its impact on the Latino/a/x youth that attend the club. METHODS: A 2-part anonymous survey was developed and distributed to all active staff/volunteers that work at BGC of Tippecanoe County. Part 1 consisted of basic demographic questions. Part 2 of the survey had participants answer questions about their Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and an ACEs score was calculated from their responses. RESULTS: Data analysis found that 89% of employees identified as “White/European”. In addition, 100% of responses labeled “English” as their primary language. Data revealed that 94% of respondents listed their sexual orientation as “heterosexual”. 100% of the participants selected either “male” or “female” as their gender identity, showing no divergence from the “male/female” binary at the club. In the final two demographics questions from the survey, 56% of the respondents indicated that their childhood household had an income greater than $50,000 and another 56% stated that they had an education level at or below a high school diploma. POTENTIAL IMPACT/CONCLUSIONS: The demographic makeup of BGC of Tippecanoe County puts Latino/a/x youth at risk of struggling when developing their social-emotional and ethnic identities. The current staff/volunteer list does not put Latino/a/x youth in the best possible developmental environment for cultural appreciation and self-confidence. Several strategic diversity recommendations have been created and passed on to the organization. These aim to increase the engagement level and cultural appreciation of Latino/a/x culture to empower youth that identify with this group.Item The Impact of Covid-19 on Inmate Trust in Health Care and Willingness to Seek Treatment - A Qualitative Investigation(Indiana Medical Student Program for Research and Scholarship (IMPRS), 2020-12-15) Kumalo, Valarie; Nelson, Alexander; Messmore, Niki; IU School of MedicineBackground and Objective: The coronavirus has disproportionately impacted vulnerable members of society. With the U.S. as the global leader in incarceration and the difficulties prison systems face implementing many of the mitigation strategies employed by the general population, the incarcerated population is in a uniquely vulnerable position particularly within an already strained prison healthcare system. Given the nature of prisons as total institutions, negative experiences with the virus coupled with a lack of autonomy could lead to a loss of trust in the healthcare system which has the potential to impact health-seeking behaviors. In this study, we aim to examine the effect of Covid-19 on Indiana inmates’ trust in healthcare. Project Methods: Data from 380 surveys distributed across Indiana’s prison system will be collected and analyzed. These results will be used to develop an interview protocol to conduct at least 25 in-depth interviews which will then be coded using NVivo to identify any emerging themes regarding their experiences with Covid-19. Prior to this, in-depth literature reviews were done on health care in prison populations and trust in healthcare. Results: The surveys and interview protocol will be developed in the ensuing months and thus no data has yet been collected. The literature review revealed that the quality and accessibility of care in prisons is lacking, an issue exacerbated by the pandemic. Because of the disproportionate number of preexisting issues, inmates worried about the ability of prison administrators to properly protect inmates from contracting the virus. Additionally, it was found that trust likely does have an effect on health, and that many commonalities of inmates are poor predictors for trust. Potential Impact: This study aims to identify potential loss of trust in healthcare systems to inform community reentry programs in developing strategies that prioritize inmate health needs and perceptions.Item Integrative Review of the Knowledge, Barriers, and Facilitators of HPV Vaccination Among Latinx Migrant and Seasonal Farmworkers in the United States(2024-04-26) Hornberger, Sydney; Messmore, NikiINTRODUCTION: One subgroup of Latinx populations whose healthcare needs must not be ignored is migrant and seasonal farmworkers (MSFW) and their families. They face compounded political, social, and personal contexts which complicate healthcare access. Occupational carcinogen exposure increases MSFW’s risk of certain cancers, including cervical cancer. Although the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine prevents HPV infections and cancers, uptake among Hispanic adolescents remains suboptimal. Therefore, it is important to understand Latinx MSFW’s knowledge of HPV, barriers to, and facilitators of vaccination so culturally appropriate measures can bolster HPV vaccination. METHODS: Searches were conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science using key search terms. Results were evaluated for compatibility with inclusion/exclusion criteria, and selected articles were coded and evaluated via thematic analysis. RESULTS: Six studies of various designs were ultimately included in the review. While some Latinx MSFW have baseline knowledge about HPV and the vaccine, knowledge gaps remain. Participants expressed curiosity about how the vaccine works, contents, side effects, dosing, recommended age, and information about diseases it prevents. Although additional education and Latinx MSFW’s receptiveness to provider’s recommendations were cited as major facilitators, many barriers must be addressed. CONCLUSION: Providers must leverage Latinx MSWF’s existing knowledge, provide education, and facilitate vaccination to protect farmworker families from HPV and related cancers. It must become standard practice for providers to recommend the HPV vaccine to MSFW, who are receptive to this conversation. Increasing vaccination can decrease the disproportionate burden of HPV-related cancers on Latinx patients and facilitate access to healthcare services.Item Investigating the Role of Meal Quality and Food Look, Smell, and Taste on Perceived Health Improvement for Clients of Meals on Wheels of Central Indiana(2022-07-29) Boyer, Jacob; Messmore, NikiMeals on Wheels organizations across the country have the common goal of ending hunger among the elderly, malnourished, and disabled population. Meals on Wheels of Central Indiana (MOWCI) primarily serves Marion County and the rest of the state through one of its programs. The organization offers daily hot and cold meals Monday through Friday, frozen meal deliveries, and pantry boxes. Minus the pantry boxes, meals are assembled at one of nine participating health corporations: Community Health Network, Eskenazi Health, IU Health- Methodist, Marquette, Franciscan Health, Ascension St. Vincent, and Westminster Village. MOWCI offers traditional or Medicaid subsidized hot and cold meals (for Marion County clients), Ryan’s Meals for Life (HIV/AIDS clients), and Embrace Cancer programs (low-income cancer treatment clients from Eskenazi). In this study, phone surveys were conducted investigating food quality and delivery satisfaction for daily hot and cold clients (n=149). Results were analyzed in Excel using a Chi-Square analysis of independence (alpha 0.05, 3 degrees of freedom). It was found that overall food quality and food smell, taste, and appearance were associated with perceived health improvements in a significantly significant manner with a p-value of 0.0000113 and 0.0198 respectively. There are 248 clients who as of July 7th have not been evaluated and thus, is still an active area of focus for MOWCI. A model has been created and shared with the organization that continues to allow them to collect data on future clients and input the data in order to determine what effect meals have on all of their client population as opposed to the 37.5% of clients that have been evaluated in this project. These efforts will be used in the future to aid in writing grants to allow for the expansion of current and future programs.Item Perceptions and Barriers to Care for Burmese Refugees, a multi-method qualitative study(2024-04-25) Nadeem, Manahil; Messmore, NikiBACKGROUND Since 2015, Indiana has been home to over 40,000 Burmese refugees (1). Although the Model Minority Myth would lead U.S. policymakers to believe that all Asian Americans are wealthy, overwhelmingly have college degrees, and have access to health insurance, this is a fallacy (2). According to the Pew Research Center, only 38% of Burmese residents in the U.S. speak English and 25% of Burmese residents experience poverty. Although there is little research on Burmese health outcomes in the U.S., research points to poor health outcomes (3). STUDY OBJECTIVE/HYPOTHESIS This research project aims to identify the barriers and perceptions to healthcare for Burmese refugees and provide plausible solutions. This project includes a narrative review of the existing literature combined with interviews with physicians who specialize in immigrant care. METHODS A narrative review was conducted via PubMed and Google Scholar to analyze the research published on the healthcare of Burmese refugees in the United States. Search terms and MESH terms like refugees, Myanmar, Burma, southeast Asian people, Rohingya, health services accessibility, health status disparities, social determinants of health, and socioeconomic factors were used. Ultimately, 40 articles were included. Interviews with physicians specializing in immigrant care in Indianapolis were also conducted and included in this study. The project includes interviews from Dr. Ashley Overley, CEO of Sandra Eskenazi Mental Health Center, and Dr. Maurice Henein, a family medicine physician at Community Health Network's Center for International Health. RESULTS 40 articles, published in 2005-2023, were included and analyzed for themes. The barriers to care for Burmese refugees are related to languages & communication, healthcare structure, pediatric care, reproductive care, and mental health. Many articles expressed a dire need for reliable interpreters and trauma-informed care (4,5). Moreover, cost and the concept of preventative care are the largest barriers relating to healthcare structure. For pediatric care, research indicates that Burmese parents feel that physicians do not obtain proper consent before treating their children. (6,7,8). Mental health is often equated to craziness when translated and is difficult to navigate with patients (11). Lastly, research found that Burmese women wanted to talk about sex during their health visits, but did not want to initiate the conversation themselves (14,15). Interviews with expert physicians were included in this study. The interviewers expressed that physicians should mobilize community partners and take part in cultural trainings. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS This project aimed to evaluate healthcare for Burmese refugees and provide solutions accordingly. After analyzing the research, it is critical we advocate for reliable interpreters for our patients. Without proper communication, it is impossible to build rapport and trust. Moreover, physicians should educate their patients about the importance of preventative care, mental health, and reproductive health screenings. To improve the quality of care they provide, physicians should initiate workshops and empower community organizations that are providing help to their patients. Indianapolis is home to one of the largest populations of Burmese refugees; it is time we provide the best healthcare for them.Item Reclaiming the mission of academic medicine: An examination of institutional responses to (anti)racism(Wiley, 2021-09-29) Sotto-Santiago, Sylk; Sharp, Sacha; Mac, Jacqueline; Messmore, Niki; Haywood, Antwione; Tyson, Michele; Yi, VaraxyPurpose: The utility of institutional statements is said to provide clarity and reinforcement of an institution's goal. Unfortunately, it can also be argued that these statements are in clear misalignment between the words described and the environments that faculty, students, trainees, and staff of color face. The purpose of this study was to analyze academic medicine institutional statements that responded to 2020 racial tensions following the murders of George Floyd, among others, and the subsequent nationwide protests against police brutality. Methods: We conducted a manifest content analysis of institutional statements generated by academic medical centers after George Floyd's murder. We used manifest content analysis to gain insights into how institutional statements connect structural racism to the mission of academic medicine. We collected and examined institutional statements from 26 academic medicine centers. Selection parameters included statements that were publicly available and published by the institutions during a 2‐week period. We conducted a four‐stage analysis: decontextualization, recontextualization, categorization, and compilation. To better understand the collection of statements, we plotted these institutional statements according to the most salient discussed themes. Results: Overall, institutional statements discussed racism through three subthemes: identifying the racial implications of health disparities, issuing a call to action to address racism, and decentering race. Absent language is also noted. Second, institutional statements evoked institutional values by expressing an explicit connection with the academic medicine mission, naming the value of social justice, and emphasizing the concept of community. Finally, institutional statements largely discussed public health in connection with racism or with institutional values. Conclusion: Our study determines a much‐needed reconnection to the mission of academic medicine. Reclaiming the social mission will be a major step toward recentering the foundation of institutional actions. This call is what ultimately will improve the health and well‐being of marginalized populations.