Annals of family medicine
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Annals of family medicine · Nov 2021
Randomized Controlled TrialPeer Coaching to Improve Diabetes Self-Management Among Low-Income Black Veteran Men: A Mixed Methods Assessment of Enrollment and Engagement.
We undertook a study to ascertain patient characteristics associated with enrollment and engagement in a type 2 diabetes peer health coaching program at an urban health care facility serving predominantly Black veteran men, to improve the targeting of such programs. ⋯ Individuals with greatest perceived need were more likely to enroll in our trial of peer coaching, but the only factor associated with engagement was finding one's coach to support autonomy. Our findings reinforce the importance of training and ensuring fidelity of peer coaches to autonomy-supportive communication styles for participant engagement. In tailoring peer support programs for Black men, future research should elucidate which shared characteristics between participant and peer coach are most important for engagement and improved outcomes.Visual abstract.
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Annals of family medicine · Nov 2021
Silent Consequences of COVID-19: Why It's Critical to Recover Routine Vaccination Rates Through Equitable Vaccine Policies and Practices.
In the United States, routine vaccination rates have plummeted across all age groups due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with our most vulnerable and under-served populations suffering the greatest declines. Returning to a "new normal" and recovering our nation's health and economy is of the utmost importance; however, there is a critical need to recover and protect communities against the spread of other vaccine-preventable diseases and outbreaks. While routine vaccination rates are slowly recovering for certain age groups, the introduction of COVID-19 vaccines adds complexities and challenges to recovery efforts. ⋯ Key short-term strategies include leveraging digital and mainstream media to drive awareness, coordinating across health and education sectors, utilizing centralized reminder recall, expanding access points to vaccination services, and elevating trusted voices for vaccination. In order to build back stronger, long-term strategies include enhancing immunization information systems, mitigating financial barriers to vaccination, investing in building vaccine confidence, and ensuring sustainable funding for immunization infrastructure. Annals "Online First" article.