J Natl Med Assoc
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In this report, we used a qualitative descriptive design to explore young African American adults' intergenerationally influenced strategies to experienced racial discrimination. ⋯ Since intergenerationally influenced strategies are likely potential sources of strength and resilience for young African Americans, knowledge of these strategies might be useful to health care practitioners seeking to improve the mental health care of this population.
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Black breast cancer patients delay and underutilize adjuvant breast cancer therapies; yet, very few studies have specifically examined Black women's attitudes toward breast cancer therapy. This study observed the influence of self-reported interpersonal processes of care (e.g. self-efficacy) clinical and sociodemographic factors and sociocultural (e.g. religiosity), related to Black breast cancer patients' attitudes toward radiation and systemic therapies (chemotherapy and adjuvant endocrine therapy - "AET"). ⋯ Our study findings may aid in the development of behavioral interventions targeted to mitigate Black women breast cancer treatment disparities. We found modifiable factors (e.g. communication, satisfaction ratings) that support opportunities for clinicians to better address Black women's needs regarding adjuvant treatment options. The development of tailored interventions for newly diagnosed Black breast cancer patients on patient related factors in health care are warranted for Black women with lower educational levels.
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Dietary Intake, Physical Activity and Metabolic Syndrome in African Americans, Hispanics and Whites.
The objective of the study was to compare the dietary intakes and physical activity levels among Whites, African Americans, and Hispanics with and without metabolic syndrome (MetS). ⋯ Variables significantly predictive of MetS were age, male gender, African-American ethnicity, BMI, and lycopene intake.
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The annual heart failure (HF) mortality rate in Africa is 34% according to the INTERHF study. This is twice the world average of 16.5% and 3.7 times that of South America, 9%. We review evidence-based explanations for the Hyper-mortality of HF, by comparison of North American, Caribbean, Afro-Brazilian with Sub-Saharan African (SSA) nations profiles, and suggest amelioration. 1 year HF mortality rates in SSA ranged from 29% to 58%, and intra-hospital mortality rate from 8 to 26% (n = 8). ⋯ There was sub-optimal use of guideline directed medical therapy (GDMT) and intracardiac device (ICD) unavailability. Gross Domestic Product -per purchasing power parity (GDP-PPP), which is low in SSA, was inversely correlated both to higher intra-hospital mortality rate % (r = -0.73, r 2 = 0.54 p = 0.038) and higher 1 year HF mortality rate % (r = -0.62, r 2 = 0.38, = 0.098). Localized primary prevention, early detection and prompt treatment of hypertension, diabetes, rheumatic fever, early cardiac valve repair and use of cardiovascular polypill, optimal use of GDMT, national health insurance scheme are advocated to stem the dismal mortality and cost burden of HF.