A Mixed-Methods Refugee Community Health Needs and Assets Assessment

Introduction: Many factors may negatively affect the experience of refugees navigating the healthcare system in Philadelphia. These factors include, but are not limited to, lack of familiarity with the healthcare system, language and cultural barriers, limited health literacy, physical and transportation barriers, and fear and/or distrust of the healthcare system. In addition, there are a large proportion of United States refugees in Pennsylvania. According to usnews.com, Pennsylvania was ranked the top 6th state for taking in the most refugees in the year 2017. Objective: The primary objective is to assess the experiences of refugees within the healthcare system since resettlement in Philadelphia. The secondary objective is to use the information gained from our study to implement interventions that may improve navigation of the healthcare system for refugees in Philadelphia. Methods: Quantitative and qualitative survey questions will be administered to participants. These questions will cover experiences directly associated with the healthcare system, as well as participant perceptions of social determinants of health that impact physical and behavioral/mental health such as education, community cohesion/support and employment, community-based services related to food security, housing, and transportation. Quantitative questions will be asked through translated surveys. Qualitative questions are will be administered through 1-on-1 interviews with the assistance of interpreters. The analysis will include a mixed methods approach. Quantitative survey data will use descriptive statistics including frequencies, percentages, and mean values. Data will be entered into EXCEL and analysis will be done through EXCEL and SPSS. Qualitative data will undergo content analysis. Interviews will be taped, transcribed/translated, and coded vis NVIVO software. Results: Pending Conclusion: Pendin

Estudio comparativo entre las estrategias metacognitivas y su efecto en el razonamiento lógico en los estudiantes de pedagogía

Introduction: Metacognitive learning strategies become a key element that allows the student to orient himself in the information available through his organization, through which he develops mathematical logical reasoning abilities. Objective: to analyze the way in which metacognitive strategies contribute to logical reasoning and mathematical problem solving in students of the Mathematics and Physics Pedagogy Career at the Luis Vargas Torres de Esmeraldas Technical University. Methodology: paradigm centered on positivism, involving a quantitative, analytical, rationalist, scientific and technological systematic approach; applying as technique the survey to forty students belonging to the university mentioned above. Results: 38% of the students stated that they rarely imagine the problem to decide how to solve it, evidencing the mechanical learning they have in reference to solving mathematical problems. Conclusion: metacognitive strategies significantly influence logical reasoning, therefore, in solving mathematical problems, a teaching should be proposed in which didactic strategies and various methodologies related to metacognitive strategies are used that will allow students to control and monitor the use of their cognitive resources, resulting from planning, verification, monitoring, review and evaluation of their cognitive achievements.Introducción: Las estrategias metacognitivas de aprendizaje se convierten en un elemento clave que permite al estudiante orientarse en la información disponible mediante su organización, a través del cual desarrolla capacidades de razonamiento lógico matemático. Objetivo: analizar la forma en que las estrategias metacognitivas contribuyen en el razonamiento lógico y la resolución de problemas matemáticos en los estudiantes de la Carrera Pedagogía de la Matemática y la Física en la Universidad Técnica Luis Vargas Torres de Esmeraldas. Metodología:  paradigma centrado en el positivismo, conllevando un enfoque cuantitativo, analítico, racionalista, sistemático científico y tecnológico; aplicando como técnica la encuesta a 40 estudiantes pertenecientes a la universidad mencionada anteriormente. Resultados: el 38% de los estudiantes manifestaron que pocas veces imaginan el problema para decidir cómo resolverlo, evidenciando el aprendizaje mecánico que tienen en referencia a resolver problemas matemáticos.   Conclusión: las estrategias metacognitivas influyen significativamente en el razonamiento lógico, por lo que, en resolución de problemas matemáticos, se debe proponer una enseñanza en el que se empleen estrategias didácticas y diversas metodologías relacionadas con las estrategias metacognitivas que les permitirán a los estudiantes controlar y supervisar el uso de sus recursos cognitivos, resultante de una planificación, verificación, seguimiento, revisión y evaluación de sus logros cognitivos. Área de estudio general: matemática y ciencias. Área de estudio específica: modelación y docencia

Perceptions of Neighborhood Factors and Their Influence on Rates of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

In 2012, the Philadelphia Department of Public Health released a report of the number of sexually transmitted infection (STI) cases by ZIP code. Southwest Philadelphia’s 19143 ZIP code was reported to have the highest cases of STIs, but its neighboring ZIP codes (19142 and 19153) reported significantly lower cases. Studies have shown positive associations between neighborhood factors – crime, violence, and neighborhood satisfaction – and chlamydia and gonorrhea rates. This study took a different approach through exploratory research efforts at the community level, and explored community members’ perceptions, beliefs, attitudes, and knowledge of these neighborhood factors and the possible link to rates of STIs. Qualitative methods were utilized through in-depth interviews with twelve community members, which included 4 adolescent residents (15-24 years old), 4 adult residents (25+ years old), and 4 community stakeholders from the 19143 ZIP code. Adolescent and adult residents were recruited through flyers posted at two community health centers and community stakeholders were approached by the researcher. The interview was divided into four topics that included questions regarding the neighborhood, STIs, neighborhood factors, and other thoughts. The participants completed a de-identified demographics survey and all interviews were audio recorded. The interviews were transcribed and the research team summarized the participant’s thoughts from each interview category, organized them on an excel spreadsheet, and collectively agreed upon the findings. The participants identified links between neighborhood factors and rates of STIs through criminal and violent acts. In addition, this study found a commonality surrounding dissatisfaction with the neighborhood as well as the breakdown of family structure having links to rates of STIs. Perceptions from community members add critical and significant information in addressing community-specific needs and can provide insight into potential ways to modify, sustain, and create health promotion efforts. Presentation: 32 minute

S1P1-selective in vivo-active agonists from high-throughput screening: Off-the-shelf chemical probes of receptor interactions, signaling, and fate

The essential role of the sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) receptor S1P 1 in regulating lymphocyte trafficking was demonstrated with the S1P1-selective nanomolar agonist, SEW2871. Despite its lack of charged headgroup, the tetraaromatic compound SEW2871 binds and activates S1P1 through a combination of hydrophobic and ion-dipole interactions. Both S1P and SEW2871 activated ERK, Akt, and Rac signaling pathways and induced S1P1 internalization and recycling, unlike FTY720-phosphate, which induces receptor degradation. Agonism with receptor recycling is sufficient for alteration of lymphocyte trafficking by S1P and SEW2871. S1P1 modeling and mutagenesis studies revealed that residues binding the S1P head-group are required for kinase activation by both S1P and SEW2871. Therefore, SEW2871 recapitulates the action of S1P in all the signaling pathways examined and overlaps in interactions with key headgroup binding receptor residues, presumably replacing salt-bridge interactions with ion-dipole interactions. ©2005 Elsevier Ltd All rights reserved

Addressing the challenges of conducting community-engaged research during COVID-19: Rapid development and evaluation of a COVID-19 Research Patient and Community Advisory Board (PCAB).

IntroductionWe created a COVID-19 Research Patient and Community Advisory Board (PCAB) to provide patient and community input into clinical and translational research studies. The purpose of this article is to describe the PCAB creation, implementation, and evaluation.MethodsWe identified PCAB members who had participated in previous stakeholder engaged activities at our institution and invited their participation. We created a systematic consultation process where researchers could submit plain language research summaries and questions for the PCAB. A facilitated 1-hour virtual consultation was then held where PCAB members provided feedback. We assessed satisfaction of PCAB members and researchers who received consultations using surveys. We also reviewed video recordings of PCAB consultations and reflections from team meetings to identify key lessons learned.ResultsTwenty-seven PCAB members took part in 23 consultation sessions. Twenty-two completed an evaluation survey (81% response rate). Most members agreed or strongly agreed their opinions were valued (86%), it was a productive use of time (86%) and were satisfied (86%). Nineteen researchers completed an evaluation survey (83% response rate). Researchers reported positive experiences of working with the PCAB. Additional insights include limited funding in COVID-19 research for equitable community engagement, deficiencies in researcher communication skills, and a lack of cultural humility incorporated into study activities.ConclusionsPCAB members provided recommendations that maximized the patient-centeredness and health equity focus of COVID-19 research. The detailed description of the process of developing, implementing, and evaluating our PCAB can be used as a template for others wishing to replicate this engagement model

COVID-19 Vaccination Perceptions Among Young Adults of Color in the San Francisco Bay Area.

BackgroundCOVID-19 vaccination rates among U.S. young adults, particularly in communities of color, remain lower than other age groups. We conducted a qualitative, community-based participatory study to explore beliefs and attitudes about COVID-19 vaccines among young adults in Black/African American, Latinx, and Asian American or Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities in the San Francisco Bay Area.MethodsWe conducted six focus groups between June and August 2021. Participants were recruited by partnering with community-based organizations in the San Francisco Bay Area. Focus groups included Black/African American (N=13), Latinx (N=20), and AAPI (N=12) participants between 18 and 30 years of age. Emerging themes were identified using a modified Grounded Theory approach.ResultsProminent themes among all three racial-ethnic groups included mistrust in medical and government institutions, strong conviction about self-agency in health decision-making, and exposure to a thicket of contradictory information and misinformation in social media. Social benefit and a sense of familial and societal responsibility were often mentioned as reasons to get vaccinated. Young adult mistrust had a generational flavor fueled by anger about increasing inequity, the profit-orientation of pharmaceutical companies and health institutions, society's failure to rectify injustice, and pessimism about life prospects.ConclusionFactors influencing vaccine readiness among Black/African American, Latinx, and AAPI young adults have a distinct generational and life-course texture. Outreach efforts should appeal to young adults' interest in family and social responsibility and the social benefits of vaccination, while being cognizant of the friction mandates pose for young adults' sense of self-agency. Efforts will be most effective coming from trusted messengers with a proven commitment to communities of color and health equity

COVID-19 vaccination readiness among multiple racial and ethnic groups in the San Francisco Bay Area: A qualitative analysis.

BackgroundCOVID-19 vaccination rates are lower among historically marginalized populations, including Black/African American and Latinx populations, threatening to contribute to already high COVID-19 morbidity and mortality disparities for these groups. We conducted a community-based participatory research study using qualitative methods to explore knowledge and beliefs about COVID-19 vaccination among Black/African American, Latinx, and Chinese American residents of the San Francisco Bay Area and assess their views on vaccination outreach and delivery strategies.Methods and findingsData were collected from January 14, 2021, to February 24, 2021, with adult residents (N = 109 [Female: N = 76; 70%]) in San Francisco. Focus groups (N = 10) and in-depth interviews (N = 25) were conducted among Black/African Americans (N = 35), Latinx (N = 40), and Chinese Americans (n = 34) in English, Spanish, Cantonese, or Mandarin. Themes were identified using grounded field theory, and included misinformation, mistrust of government and health institutions, and linguistic and other barriers to vaccine access. All three racial/ethnic groups had experiences with vaccine misinformation and information overload. Many African American and Latinx participants cited structural and interpersonal racism, and anti-immigrant discrimination, as factors reducing their trust in government and public health disseminated information and their willingness to be vaccinated. Participants expressed trust in community-based organizations, including faith-based organizations and community-run clinics. Participants often experienced barriers to vaccine access, such as transportation to drive-in sites, with Latinx and Chinese American groups also frequently citing language barriers.ConclusionsVaccine outreach strategies must acknowledge how longstanding systemic, institutional, and structural racism contributes to mistrust in government and health institutions and engage with and support trusted messengers from the community to eliminate cultural, linguistic, and other barriers to vaccine access

COVID-19 vaccination readiness among multiple racial and ethnic groups in the San Francisco Bay Area: A qualitative analysis.

BackgroundCOVID-19 vaccination rates are lower among historically marginalized populations, including Black/African American and Latinx populations, threatening to contribute to already high COVID-19 morbidity and mortality disparities for these groups. We conducted a community-based participatory research study using qualitative methods to explore knowledge and beliefs about COVID-19 vaccination among Black/African American, Latinx, and Chinese American residents of the San Francisco Bay Area and assess their views on vaccination outreach and delivery strategies.Methods and findingsData were collected from January 14, 2021, to February 24, 2021, with adult residents (N = 109 [Female: N = 76; 70%]) in San Francisco. Focus groups (N = 10) and in-depth interviews (N = 25) were conducted among Black/African Americans (N = 35), Latinx (N = 40), and Chinese Americans (n = 34) in English, Spanish, Cantonese, or Mandarin. Themes were identified using grounded field theory, and included misinformation, mistrust of government and health institutions, and linguistic and other barriers to vaccine access. All three racial/ethnic groups had experiences with vaccine misinformation and information overload. Many African American and Latinx participants cited structural and interpersonal racism, and anti-immigrant discrimination, as factors reducing their trust in government and public health disseminated information and their willingness to be vaccinated. Participants expressed trust in community-based organizations, including faith-based organizations and community-run clinics. Participants often experienced barriers to vaccine access, such as transportation to drive-in sites, with Latinx and Chinese American groups also frequently citing language barriers.ConclusionsVaccine outreach strategies must acknowledge how longstanding systemic, institutional, and structural racism contributes to mistrust in government and health institutions and engage with and support trusted messengers from the community to eliminate cultural, linguistic, and other barriers to vaccine access

STOP COVID-19 CA: Community engagement to address the disparate impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic in California.

ObjectiveTo describe the early activities and lessons of the Share, Trust, Organize, Partner COVID-19 California Alliance (STOP COVID-19 CA), the California awardee of the NIH-funded multi-state Community Engagement Alliance (CEAL) against COVID-19. The Alliance was established to ensure equity in Coronavirus-19 disease (COVID-19) research, clinical practice, and public health for communities most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.Study settingThe STOP COVID-19 CA Alliance network of 11 universities and affiliated partner community-based organizations (CBOs) across California.Study designMixed methods evaluation consisting of an analysis of activity (August 2020 to December 2021) detailed in reports submitted by community-academic teams and a survey (August 2021) of academic investigators and affiliated community-based organization (CBO) partners.Data collectionWe summarized activities from the 11 community-academic teams' progress reports and described results from an online survey of academic investigators and CBO partners in the California Alliance.Principal findingsA review of progress reports (n = 256) showed that teams fielded surveys to 11,000 Californians, conducted 133 focus groups, partnered with 29 vaccine/therapeutics clinical trials, and led more than 300 town halls and vaccine events that reached Californians from communities disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. Survey responses from academic investigators and CBO partners emphasized the importance of learning from the successes and challenges of the California Alliance teams' COVID-19 initiatives. Both academic and CBO respondents highlighted the need for streamlined federal and institutional administrative policies, and fiscal practices to promote more effective and timely operations of teams in their efforts to address the numerous underlying health and social disparities that predispose their communities to higher rates of, and poor outcomes from, COVID-19.ConclusionsSTOP COVID-19 CA represents a new and potentially sustainable statewide community engagement model for addressing health disparities in multiethnic/multicultural and geographically dispersed communities