Meaning of Pregnancy Terms Among African-American Women

The concept of pregnancy intendedness is complex and may not bear the same meaning to all women. Moreover, researcher definition and women’s meaning were thought to be different. Some researchers have indicated that it is unclear how well women understand and relate to questions used by the National Survey of Family Growth (NSFG) and how the classifications relate to women’s lives. The purpose of this study was to explore the meaning of terms such as planned and/or intended pregnancy among African-American women of childbearing age using a qualitative exploratory descriptive method. Although African-American women want children, they are three times as likely to experience an unintended pregnancy as white women. Data extracted from transcripts were coded and analyzed for recurrent patterns and themes. For this study, the Theory of Planned Behavior (Ajzen & Fishbein, 1980) was employed to frame interview questions and to interpret data. Findings suggest participants and partners often did not have the same perceptions or meanings of pregnancy planning or intentions. These findings have implications for research and family planning policy

Sexual Hookups via Dating Apps: A Qualitative Study Exploring the Experiences of Black Men Who Have Sex with Men in Florida

Background: Sexual hookups via social media dating apps have been understudied among Black men who have sex with men (BMSM). Purpose: The objective of this qualitative study was to explore the role of dating apps on hookup culture and to describe the sexual experiences among BMSM in Florida. Specifically, this research delves into various sexual hookup themes. Methods: Seventeen semi-structured interviews were conducted with BMSM participants aged 18 to 25 in Florida who self-identified as frequent dating app users. A grounded theory approach was applied to thematically analyze the hookup encounters and the factors that drive these perceptions and experiences among BMSM. QSR NVIVO 12 was used to code, categorize, and collect emergent themes. Results: Three major themes emerged depicting the complexities of hookup culture using social media dating applications among BMSM. 1. Positive hookup experiences were linked to feelings of “no strings attached” to some participants, while others associated this positive experience to the use of alcohol and drugs; 2. Negative hookup experiences revolved around miscommunication on sexual roles, catfishing, and disclosure of HIV status; 3. Psychological aspects of hookups were centered on feelings of regret, disbelief, and disgust after a sexual hookup encounter. Discussion: Understanding BMSM hookup culture could aid in the development of prioritized evidence-based interventions for behavioral change to improve safer sexual health encounters among this vulnerable populatio

Exploring the Association of Physician Characteristics to Patient Requests for Genetic Testing

Background: Cancer genomic testing improves health outcomes for individuals at risk, drives cost-efficiency, and facilitates healthcare equity; however, little is known about how physician demographic and practice characteristics influence patient requests for genetic testing. Purpose: To explore whether (and to what extent) physician demographic and practice characteristics are associated with patient requests for cancer genetic testing. Methods: A cross-sectional quantitative design survey was distributed to 1240 primary care physicians registered with the state health department who had active licenses and main practices in Florida. Primary care physicians were defined as those who practice family medicine, internal medicine, obstetrics, and gynecology. The survey tool was developed from a search of the literature and two previously validated surveys. It was administered using a modified Dillmanstrategy. The study sample size was 317 physicians, with an 85% response rate based upon a targeted sample of 372. Statistical calculations were performed using SPSS version 27 and STATA release 17.Results: Logistic regression model found significant associations between patient requests and physicians\u27 race and professional practice size. Physicians identified as White were 1.840 times as likely to have patient requests for genetic testing (p=.036) than physicians whose race was other than White. Physicians whose professional practices were solo or small groups were 2.39 times as likely to have patient requests (p=.001) than physicians affiliated with larger practices. Discussion: Patient requests may be leveraged by physicians, other healthcare providers, and public health professionals; patient requests present a significant opportunity for increasing genetic testing and thus promoting better health outcomes for patients with Lynch syndrome-related colorectal cancer

An Exploratory Study of the Likelihood of Adopting Genetic Counseling and Testing for Lynch Syndrome-related Colorectal Cancer Among Primary Care Physicians in Florida

Genetic counseling and testing for inherited cancer syndromes have the potential to save lives and may be an avenue for addressing health care disparities among African Americans newly diagnosed with colorectal cancer (CRC); and their close relatives. African Americans are more likely to be diagnosed with CRC at younger ages (under age 50 years), and diagnosed at later stages when cancer is more aggressive and difficult to treat, which are factors associated with hereditary cancers such as Lynch syndrome-related CRC. Considering the benefits of genetic testing for hereditary cancer syndromes - risk stratification, preventive surveillance, targeted treatment, and subsequent reduction in morbidity and mortality among patients by up to 60% - it appears that genetic testing may have a role in prevention, early intervention and reduction of CRC disparities in African Americans. Primary care physicians (PCPs), often the access point to the healthcare system, were anticipated to be at the forefront of genetic counseling and testing. However, a growing body of literature indicates that PCPs see genetic testing as the role of a specialist. This quantitative survey research study, based on the constructs of the Diffusion of Innovation Theory (Rogers, 2003), explored the factors which influence the likelihood of adoption of genetic counseling and testing for Lynch syndrome-related colorectal cancer among PCPs in Florida

Florida-California Cancer Research, Education and Engagement (CaRE) Health Equity Center: Structure, Innovations, and Initial Outcomes

Introduction The Florida-California Cancer Research, Education, and Engagement (CaRE 2 ) Health Equity Center is a triad partnership committed to increasing institutional capacity for cancer disparity research, the diversity of the cancer workforce, and community empowerment. This article provides an overview of the structure, process innovations, and initial outcomes from the first 4 years of the CaRE 2 triad partnership. Methods CaRE 2 serves diverse populations in Florida and California using a “molecule to the community and back” model. We prioritize research on the complex intersection of biological, environmental, and social determinants health, working together with scientific and health disparities communities, sharing expertise across institutions, bidirectional training, and community outreach. Partnership progress and outcomes were assessed using mixed methods and four Program Steering Committee meetings. Results Research capacity was increased through development of a Living Repository of 81 cancer model systems from minority patients for novel cancer drug development. CaRE 2 funded 15 scientific projects resulting in 38 publications. Workforce diversity entailed supporting 94 cancer trainees (92 URM) and 34 ESIs (32 URM) who coauthored 313 CaRE 2 -related publications and received 48 grants. Community empowerment was promoted via outreaching to more than 3000 individuals, training 145 community cancer advocates (including 28 Community Scientist Advocates), and publishing 10 community reports. CaRE 2 members and trainees together have published 639 articles, received 61 grants, and 57 awards. Conclusion The CaRE 2 partnership has achieved its initial aims. Infrastructure for translational cancer research was expanded at one partner institution, and cancer disparities research was expanded at the two cancer centers