IU Indianapolis ScholarWorks :: Browsing by Subject "African-American"

Browsing by Subject "African-American"

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The Dilemmas of Bringing Your Culture With You: The Career Advancement Challenges of African-American Women Foundation Executives
(2014) Logan, Angela R.; Stanfield, John H.; Mesch, Debra J. (Debra Jo); Robertson, Nancy Marie, 1956-; Rogers, Pier C.
Grounded in leadership, cultural, communication, and gender studies, this dissertation investigates the challenges African-American women executives in the philanthropic foundation sector faced as they strive to have their culture legitimated within the culture of the workplace. Through the use of case study methodology, I examined the experiences of participants by conducting oral history interviews that traced their critical path to leadership. I also incorporated my own experiences in the field to further explore the connections between race, gender, and leadership styles in philanthropic organizations. The interviews and my own auto-ethnographic research explored the possible consequences of black executive women in the foundation world not being able to share aspects of their cultural lives in workplace networks and the impact of the critical exclusion of who they really are as whole human beings on the quality of their careers. An analysis of data collected from the interviews revealed key factors critical to the success of study participants. First was the presence of familial or close adults actively engaged in philanthropic activity during the participants’ formative years. Second was a strong influence of a faith tradition. Additionally, the date revealed that participants’ involvement in outside leadership roles, often tied to their racial and gender identities, were not capitalized on by employers. This study achieved several key outcomes. First, it afforded participants an opportunity to develop the personal satisfaction of expanding the body of knowledge related to leadership development within the philanthropic foundation sector. Additionally, by sharing their stories, these individuals were able to develop or strengthen mentorship relationships. Lastly, this study has the potential of being of significant benefit to the greater philanthropic foundation sector, since it worked towards the expansion of the body of knowledge specific to the issues of gender and cultural differences within the foundation sector.
Enrollment of Diverse Populations in the INGENIOUS Pharmacogenetics Clinical Trial
(Frontiers, 2020-06) Shah-Williams, Ebony; Levy, Kenneth D.; Zang, Yong; Holmes, Ann M.; Stoughton, Christa; Dexter, Paul; Skaar, Todd C.; Medicine, School of Medicine
Recruitment of diverse populations and subjects living in Medically Underserved Areas and Populations (MUA/P’s) into clinical trials is a considerable challenge. Likewise, representation of African-Americans in pharmacogenetic trials is often inadequate, but critical for identifying genetic variation within and between populations. To identify enrollment patterns and variables that predict enrollment in a diverse underserved population, we analyzed data from the INGENIOUS (Indiana GENomics Implementation and Opportunity for the UnderServed), pharmacogenomics implementation clinical trial conducted at a community hospital for underserved subjects (Safety net hospital), and a statewide healthcare system (Academic hospital). We used a logistic regression model to identify patient variables that predicted successful enrollment after subjects were contacted and evaluated the reasons that clinical trial eligible subjects refused enrollment. In both healthcare systems, African-Americans were less likely to refuse the study than non-Hispanic Whites (Safety net, OR = 0.68, and p < 0.002; Academic hospital, OR = 0.64, and p < 0.001). At the Safety net hospital, other minorities were more likely to refuse the study than non-Hispanic Whites (OR = 1.58, p < 0.04). The odds of refusing the study once contacted increased with patient age (Safety net hospital, OR = 1.02, p < 0.001, Academic hospital, OR = 1.02, and p < 0.001). At the Academic hospital, females were less likely to refuse the study than males (OR = 0.81, p = 0.01) and those not living in MUA/P’s were less likely to refuse the study than those living in MUA/P’s (OR = 0.81, p = 0.007). The most frequent barriers to enrollment included not being interested, being too busy, transportation, and illness. A lack of trust was reported less frequently. In conclusion, African-Americans can be readily recruited to pharmacogenetic clinical trials once contact has been successfully initiated. However, health care initiatives and increased recruitment efforts of subjects living in MUA/Ps are needed. Enrollment could be further enhanced by improving research awareness and knowledge of clinical trials, reducing time needed for participation, and compensating for travel.
Examining the associations between PTSD symptom clusters and alcohol-related problems in a sample of low-SES treatment-seeking Black/African American adults
(Elsevier, 2022) Fischer, Ian C.; Bennett, Melanie E.; Pietrzak, Robert H.; Kok, Brian C.; Roche, Daniel J.O.; Psychiatry, School of Medicine
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and alcohol use disorder (AUD) often co-occur. This comorbidity negatively influences treatment outcomes, functioning, and quality of life. To better understand the relation between PTSD and AUD, research has begun to examine the influence of PTSD symptom clusters on alcohol-related problems. The current study is the first to analyze the associations between PTSD symptom clusters and alcohol consumption and AUD symptom severity in a treatment-seeking sample of Black/African American (AA) adults with co-occurring AUD and PTSD symptoms. Examination of these associations may help to facilitate greater recovery in this underserved population by identifying more precise targets for treatment. PTSD symptom clusters were identified from both the current 4-factor model identified in the DSM-5 and from a recently proposed 7-factor model. Participants were Black/AA adults (50.6% male) who endorsed trauma exposure and were seeking treatment for alcohol misuse. The majority (66%) were unemployed and almost half (45%) reported an income at or lower than $20,000. In the 4-factor model, results showed Cluster D symptoms of PTSD (i.e., negative alterations in cognitions and mood) were independently associated with alcohol consequences. Use of the 7-factor model, which divides Cluster D into symptoms of negative affect and anhedonia, further demonstrated that only anhedonic symptoms were independently associated with alcohol consequences. No symptom clusters were uniquely associated with alcohol consumption. Results suggest the absence of positive emotions, rather than the presence of negative emotions, are primarily associated with alcohol-related problems in a sample of trauma-exposed, Black/AA adults seeking treatment for alcohol misuse.
Intercultural Understanding: Reconciling the Disconnection between Africans and African Americans via Language and Literature
(2014) Fleming, Alicia A.; Department of World Languages & Cultures, School of Liberal Arts
On the subject of reconciliation, one question comes to mind: “How can the teaching of language and literature become a viable tool in bridging the gap that exists between Africans and African Americans?” There is a disconnection that exists on both sides. In urban school districts, at least 45% of the students in Foreign Language classes are Africans and African Americans. Generally, these students (and this is generally the African American students) think that there are no existing connections in common with their own cultures. On the other hand, the African students will learn about other aspects of their cultures which they might not have known before or unwillingly circumvented. This research will focus on how the utilization of African and African American literature such as poetry in education, to teach intercultural understanding in order to repair the disconnection that has existed for decades. Students will gain a better understanding of each other’s cultures and begin to see a connection that they can relate to. It will also explore how to use the dialect changes and idiosyncrasies in African poetry and literature that might be similar to those of the African American Vernacular English, to teach the various languages spoken on the African continent.
Mammography Adherence in African-American Women: Results of a Randomized Controlled Trial
(Springer, 2016-02) Gathirua-Mwangi, Wambui G.; Monahan, Patrick O.; Stump, Timothy; Rawl, Susan M.; Skinner, Celette Sugg; Champion, Victoria L.; Department of Epidemiology, Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health
BACKGROUND: Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer mortality among women in the developed world. Mammography screening is especially important for African-Americans because they experience a greater mortality (OR = 1.38) than Caucasians despite having a lower incidence of breast cancer. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of two interventions with usual care on mammography adherence among African-American women. METHODS: A subsample of African-American women (n = 244) aged 41-65 years who had not had a mammogram in the last 15 months and no history of breast cancer was randomly assigned to receive (1) mailed interactive DVD, (2) computer-tailored telephone counseling, or (3) usual care. RESULTS: The DVD intervention was five times more effective than usual care for promoting mammography screening at 6 months follow-up among women who earned less than $30,000 (OR = 5.3). Compared to usual care, neither the DVD nor phone produced significant effects for women with household incomes >$30,000. CONCLUSION: Use of a mailed DVD for low-income African-American women may be an effective way to increase mammography adherence.
Person-Environment Fit, Substance Use Attitudes, and Early Adolescent Substance Use
(Taylor & Francis, 2019) Fisher, Sycarah; Zapolski, Tamika; Al-Uqdah, Shareefah; Stevens-Watkins, Danelle; Arsenault, Chelsea; Barnes-Najor, Jessica; Psychology, School of Science
BACKGROUND: Adolescent substance use is a national health concern. While the literature is clear on the prevalence of substance use during the adolescent developmental period, a dearth of literature is available on the developmental contexts, particularly the influence of school factors, in which substance use occurs. OBJECTIVES: This study examined the intermediary role of substance use attitudes on the relationship between school racial composition and alcohol and marijuana use in a sample of sixth to eighth graders. METHODS: The sample consisted of 4228 middle school students (89% White; 53% female) in the Midwest. A moderated mediation analysis was conducted on the relationship between school racial composition, substance use attitudes, and substance use, with race as the moderator. RESULTS: Results indicated a significant relationship between the percentage of White or Black students in a school and alcohol or marijuana use and that this relationship was mediated by substance use attitudes. These relationships did not differ significantly by student race. Conclusions/Importance: Preliminary findings indicate the importance of considering school racial composition as a systems level risk or promotive factor for attitudes toward substance use as well as substance use outcomes.
Pulmonary Diffusing Capacity in Healthy African-American and Caucasian Children
(Wiley, 2016-01) Kim, Young-Jee; Christoph, Kathy; Yu, Zhangsheng; Eigen, Howard; Tepper, Robert S.; Department of Pediatrics, IU School of Medicine
Previous studies of pulmonary diffusing capacity in healthy children primarily focused upon Caucasian (C) subjects. Since lung volumes in African-Americans (AA) are smaller than lung volumes in C subjects of the same height, diffusing capacity values in AA children might be interpreted as low or abnormal using currently available equations without adjusting for race. Healthy AA (N = 151) and C (N = 301) children between 5 and 18 years of age performed acceptable measurements of single breath pulmonary diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO) and alveolar volume (VA) according to current ATS/ERS guidelines. The natural log of DLCO and VA were associated with height, gender, age, and race; AA children had lower DLCO and VA compared to C children. Adjustment of DLCO for Hemoglobin (Hgb) resulted in no significant difference in DLCO among these healthy subjects with normal Hgb. In summary, we report prediction equations for DLCO and VA that include adjustment for race (C; AA) demonstrating that AA have lower DLCO and VA compared to C children for the same height, gender, and age.
The influence of perceived racial bias and health-related stigma on quality of life among children with sickle cell disease
(Taylor & Francis, 2022) Hood, Anna M.; Crosby, Lori E.; Hanson, Eva; Shook, Lisa M.; Lebensburger, Jeffrey D.; Madan-Swain, Avi; Miller, Megan M.; Trost, Zina; Psychology, School of Science
Objectives: Individuals with sickle cell disease (SCD) experience significant health problems that may result in unpredictable pain episodes and frequent healthcare utilization. Disparities in clinical care may contribute to health-related stigma and racial bias for this majority African-American/Black population. There is less known about the influence of health-related stigma and racial bias on the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of children with SCD. In the present study, we assessed these relationships and identified differences across demographic factors (i.e., age, gender). Design: Data was collected from African American children with SCD aged 8 – 16 years (57% male, 63% HbSS). Children completed the Childhood Stigma Scale (adapted for SCD), the Child Perceptions of Racism in Children and Youth scale, and the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory Sickle Cell Disease Module. Caregivers provided demographic information. Results: In the first regression model, health-related stigma (p = .007) predicted HRQOL, but neither age nor gender were significant predictors. In the second regression model, age (p = .03) predicted HRQOL, but neither gender nor racial bias were significant predictors. Of interest, there was a significant interaction between age, gender, and racial bias (p = .02). Specifically, older girls who reported high levels of perceived racial bias had poorer HRQOL. Conclusions: Our study highlights the need for increased awareness about the effects of health-related stigma and racial bias on HRQOL for children with SCD, particularly for older girls who endorse racial bias. Our findings will guide future stigma and bias reduction interventions that may meet the needs of older girls with SCD.
Who Can I Turn To? Emotional Support Availability in African American Social Networks
(MDPI, 2017-09-02) Hood, Sula; Golembiewski, Elizabeth; Benbow, Kyle; Sow, Hadyatoullaye; Sanders Thompson, Vetta; Social and Behavioral Sciences, School of Public Health
African Americans disproportionately experience psychological distress, such as feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and worthlessness and are disproportionately exposed to risk factors associated with mental illness, such as racial discrimination, violence and poverty. To effectively address African Americans’ mental health needs, it is imperative to identify who African Americans turn to when they experience stressors. The purpose of this study was to assess the extent to which emotional support is provided within African Americans’ social networks and determine the characteristics of social network members who African Americans rely upon for emotional support. Results indicate that African Americans rely on social network members for spiritual and physical health support more so than emotional support. Among both male and female participants, social network members were significantly more likely to be relied upon for emotional support if they were a non-familial network contact, had a close relationship to the participant, and if they also were someone the participant spoke to about his or her physical health. Findings have implications for the development of culturally-sensitive strategies for increasing emotional support provision within African Americans’ social networks.

Browsing by Subject "African-American"

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