Skin Tone – a Marker of Bias Known as Colorism – in relation to Sleep Health among African American Women

People with darker-skin tone are more likely than their lighter-skin counterparts to have less access to health-promoting resources (e.g., economic security, quality housing and favorable neighborhood environment). These adverse conditions can affect sleep and result in poor health outcomes such as cardiovascular disease and depression. However, few studies have examined associations between skin tone and sleep disparities. To address this gap, we used cross-sectional (2010-2012) and longitudinal (until 2014-2018) data from the Study of Environment, Lifestyle and Fibroids cohort of 1,674 Black women aged 23-35 years residing in the Detroit, Michigan area. Skin tone was measured using a skin reflectance instrument and categorized as light [29.3–57.6] (25%), medium [57.7-72.4] (50%), and dark [72.5-106.1] (25%) brown. Self-reported sleep dimensions were dichotomized (yes vs. no): short sleep duration, non-restorative sleep, insomnia symptoms, and sleep apnea. Adjusting for age and educational attainment, we used Poisson regression with robust variance to estimate prevalence ratios (PRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and applied generalized estimating equations to log binomial models to determine risk ratios (RRs) and 95% CIs between skin tone and each sleep dimension, separately. Dark vs. light skin tone was associated with marginally higher prevalence and risk of short sleep (PR=1.04 [95% CI:1.00-1.08]; RR=1.07 [95% CI: 0.99-1.16]) and a lower prevalence of insomnia symptoms (PR=0.95 [95% CI: 0.91-0.99]). Insomnia symptoms were more prevalent in light skin tone (21.1% vs. 17.7% [medium] and 15.6% [dark]). Our findings elucidate the critical importance and need to address the differential impact of historical ideologies, systems, policies and practices on Black women, which can manifest health-damaging social phenomena like colorism

Ongoing Symptoms After Acute SARS-CoV-2 or Influenza Infection in a Case-Ascertained Household Transmission Study: 7 US Sites, 2021–2023

BACKGROUND: The prevalence and risk factors for ongoing symptoms following severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) [SCV2]) or influenza infection are not well characterized. We conducted a prospective cohort study of households wherein ≥1 individual was infected with SCV2 or influenza to evaluate prevalence of and factors associated with ongoing symptoms at 90 days. METHODS: Index cases and their household contacts provided baseline health and sociodemographic information and collected daily respiratory specimens for 10 days following enrollment. Participants completed a follow-up survey 90 days after enrollment to characterize ongoing symptoms. RESULTS: We analyzed 1967 participants enrolled between December 2021 and May 2023. The risk of ongoing symptoms did not differ by infection status in SCV2 (SCV2-positive: 15.6%; SCV2-negative: 13.9%; odds ratio [OR]: 1.14; 95% CI: .7-1.69) or influenza (influenza-positive: 8.8%; influenza-negative: 10.0%; OR: .87; 95% CI: .45-1.72) households. However, among study participants with a documented infection, SCV2-positive participants had nearly twice the odds of ongoing symptoms as influenza-positive participants (OR: 1.92; 95% CI: 1.27-2.97). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that SCV2 households have a significantly higher prevalence of ongoing symptoms compared with influenza households (OR: 1.78; 95% CI: 1.28-2.47). Among participants with SCV2 infection, underlying conditions (adjusted OR [aOR]: 2.65; 95% CI: 1.80-3.90) and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-like symptoms (aOR: 2.92; 95% CI: 1.15-7.43) during acute infection increased odds of ongoing symptoms at 90 days, whereas hybrid immunity reduced the odds of ongoing symptoms (aOR: 0.44; 95% CI: .22-.90)

Add Health as a Resource for the Science of the Exposome: Health Context Measures

The health context dataset described in this user guide includes measures capturing the degree to which environments support the health and wellbeing of residents—a result of social and structural inequality. Subjects covered include birth outcomes, health status, mortality, health insurance coverage and health expenditures, access to care, health behaviors, health disparities, state safety net generosity, and environmental factors. This health context dataset is part of a larger data collection effort that was designed to help scientists more effectively operationalize and study the exposome – the constellation of social, economic, psychological, behavioral, environmental, and biological factors that combine to shape the onset and progression of chronic disease, morbidity, and mortality. The measures described in this guide were assembled, cleaned, and merged to Add Health’s core and biological data by Taylor Hargrove, Brian Frizzelle, and Sarah Petry, under the direction of Robert A. Hummer, at the Carolina Population Center (CPC) at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

The Role of Community Development Financial Institutions in Supporting Inclusive Economic Development

While prior scholarship examines the relationship between community development financial institutions (CDFIs) and economic development, little is known about their effectiveness and impact on cultivating inclusive urban entrepreneurship. The authors contend that greater attention directed toward young firms’ persistent needs for early resource acquisition, coupled with increased emphasis on the activity among business owners from minoritized groups, can extend the extant literature in a more inclusive manner. To do so, the authors trace the diffusion of CDFIs across the United States between 2013 and 2021 to examine their association with underrepresented minority-owned and/or young firms. One finding is that the presence of CDFIs bolsters the share of minoritized firms at the city level. Further, the authors find that this positive relationship holds for young firms owned by minoritized groups. The empirical results are contextualized with a case study of a nonprofit community bank seeking CDFI certification. This example highlights the importance of providing business assistance and financial capital to urban entrepreneurs

Where Else To Go? Worldbuilding in the Work of Black Gender Non-Conforming Poets

What can we learn from the ways Black queer gender non-conforming people create their own spaces of belonging? In Disidentifications: Queers of Color and the Performance of Politics, Jose Esteban Muñoz (1999) states that Black queer people must “read [themselves] and [their] own life narrative” in a dominant sphere “that is not culturally coded to connect” with their identities (12). In the poetic form, Kopano Maroga, Aurielle Marie, and Alan Peleaz Lopez use their life narratives to create worlds that expand beyond the bounds created by oppressive systems in order to include themselves and their communities. This article explores the poets’ backgrounds and poetry in order to understand what constitutes safety for Black queer gender non-conforming people and what the public must change to achieve that safety. Further, the article explores each poet’s place of origin and upbringing, and how these inform the type of world they would like to see. This research aims to serve as a guide for considering how the worldbuilding done by Black gender non-conforming poets can be applied to our material reality

CREATING HEALTHY AND AFFORDABLE RENTAL HOUSING IN GRANVILLE AND VANCE COUNTIES, NORTH CAROLINA

This proposal addresses the critical necessity for Affordable and Healthy Housing in Granville and Vance counties, North Carolina, a wicked problem within the "Neighborhood and Built Environment" domain of the Social Determinants of Health. This proposal presents systemic barriers, identifies a steering committee of diverse partners, and analyzes current policies to address fixes that backfired in the Fair Housing Act and Tenant-Based Rental Assistance initiative. This proposal aims to foster healthy and affordable housing in Granville and Vance counties, North Carolina, by promoting community engagement, legal reformation, and a sustainable development plan.Master of Public Healt

IMPROVING CHILD FOOD SECURITY WITH SCHOOL MEAL PROGRAMS IN GRANVILLE AND VANCE COUNTIES, NORTH CAROLINA

This report is generated by the economic group for the commissioner’s office and examines the critical issue of child food insecurity in Granville and Vance Counties in North Carolina. The contextual analysis evaluates the current and historical socio-economic factors that contribute to food insecurity, a high-priority social determinant of health that has a long-lasting impact on children’s mental and physical health. A multifaceted approach was utilized for stakeholder mapping and engagement, analysis of past policies, and development of new potential policies. The design process utilized quality tools to develop the change idea, focusing on and enhancing the school meal program and enhancing local food access. The design process emphasized the feasibility, sustainability, and scalability of the school meal program by establishing a steering committee to oversee the implementation and iteration process. This comprehensive assessment aims to inform policy and practice to reduce child food insecurity and improve health outcomes.Master of Public Healt

The Effects of Dual Language Education on Young Bilingual Children’s Learning: A Systematic Review of Research

In the last decade, a growing number of schools have begun implementing dual language education (DLE), and studies have shown evidence of the benefits of DLE for elementary education students. However, existing research syntheses do not focus on DLE in the early years (pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten), considering young bilingual children’s development and learning characteristics. In this paper, a novel conceptual framework is used to explore the extant literature on DLE in the early years moving beyond Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory to consider additional characteristics relating to bilingual children’s development and learning. A systematic literature review was conducted following a rigorous procedure, resulting in nine studies that met the inclusion criteria. Information about each study was coded and analyzed. The results describe the studies’ sample characteristics, research design, and findings organized by students’ academic skills (i.e., language, literacy, and mathematics), dual language classroom practices, and parents’ perceptions of DLE. This paper highlights current knowledge of DLE programs in the early years, identifies gaps, and offers recommendations for future research, policy, and practice

IMPROVE READING SKILLS FOR 4TH GRADERS IN GRANVILLE AND VANCE COUNTIES, NORTH CAROLINA

This proposal highlights the urgent need to address the persistently low fourth-grade reading proficiency rates in Granville and Vance counties, North Carolina, where literacy levels lag significantly behind state averages. Recognizing education as an essential social determinant of health, this initiative emphasizes a comprehensive strategy that targets key areas of educational improvement. The proposed approach includes detailed data collection and analysis to accurately identify and monitor students' individual literacy challenges, the implementation of culturally responsive curricula that reflect students' diverse backgrounds and enhance engagement, strengthened partnerships with families and local communities to foster supportive reading environments outside the classroom, and extensive professional development for educators emphasizing evidence-based literacy instruction techniques. By systematically integrating these components, the initiative seeks to significantly raise reading proficiency, thereby improving long-term academic outcomes, reducing educational disparities, and promoting healthier communities throughout Granville and Vance counties.Master of Public Healt

Evaluating Nursing Burnout in a Hospital at Home Program

Evaluation of burnout among registered nurses in a hospital at home program.Master of Public Healt