J Natl Med Assoc
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The principal symptom of sickle cell disease (SCD) is pain. Many studies have been conducted on pain management strategies for this illness. There is recognition that psychosocial factors influence clinical disease outcomes; therefore, more attention is being provided to behavioral interventions that address psychosocial problems. ⋯ Additional research is needed to define the efficacy and effectiveness of the other psychosocial treatments. Suggestions for future investigations include conducting research that has better methodology, and providing more education for health care providers about psychosocial treatments and the importance of considering cultural factors in health care delivery. In addition, individuals with SCD need to have more information about their illness and better access to psychosocial interventions.
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Where should my baby sleep: a qualitative study of African American infant sleep location decisions.
African American infants are of higher risk for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and accidental suffocation than other infants and are up to 4 times more likely to bedshare with their parents. ⋯ African American mothers in this study viewed both roomsharing and bedsharing as strategies to keep their infants safe. Efforts to encourage roomsharing without bed-sharing must address parental concerns about space for/ availability of a crib, convenience, infant and parent comfort, and infant safety.
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African American infants continue to be at more than twice the risk for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) than Caucasian Americans. In addition, African Americans are twice as likely to place their infants prone for sleep. ⋯ African American mothers are generally aware of the Back to Sleep recommendation. However, many may not believe that the supine position is the safest position. Other mothers may use the prone position because of infant comfort or parent's need for longer sleep. Trust in the pediatrician may not be sufficient reason for parents to use the supine position.
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A study in the general population has shown a higher acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) mortality among blacks. We studied whether black blunt-trauma patients experience different ARDS incidence, ARDS-associated mortality, or ARDS case fatality rates. ⋯ Black race/ethnicity is not associated with ARDS mortality among blunt-trauma patients. Black race/ethnicity seems to have a protective effect in relation to ARDS incidence. Hispanic ethnicity was associated with a higher mortality and case fatality rates for ARDS.