Black and White Self-Identified Latinx Respondents and Perceived Psychological Distress and Impairment

The influence of racial differences on perceived psychological distress and impairment was examined with a nationally representative sample of Black and White Latinxs. The study sample was selected from multiple years of the National Health Interview Survey and included 30,519 self-identified Black and White Latinxs between the ages of 26 and 64 years. Results indicated that Black Latinxs reported higher levels of psychological distress—a statistically significant difference—compared to White Latinxs after accounting for demographic (age, gender, marital status, and nativity) and socioeconomic status (level of education and health insurance) indicators. Results also indicated that Black and White Latinxs did not differ on impairment associated with perceived psychological distress. The practice of aggregating Black and White Latinxs obscures the racialized experiences reported by Black Latinxs and associated higher levels of psychological distress. Implications and future directions are discussed.

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Does Neighborhood Cohesion Moderate the Association between Cancer and Psychological Distress?

Journal of Applied Social Science ◽

10.1177/19367244211043071 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 193672442110430

Author(s):

Victoria A. Reynolds ◽

Manacy Pai

Keyword(s):

Cervical Cancer ◽

Psychological Distress ◽

Social Cohesion ◽

Ordinary Least Squares ◽

Neighborhood Cohesion ◽

Breast And Cervical Cancer ◽

Neighborhood Social Cohesion ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Interview Survey ◽

Nationally Representative

The purpose of this study is to examine (a) the association between cancer diagnosis and psychological distress and (b) the extent to which this association is moderated by perceptions of neighborhood social cohesion. Data are drawn from the 2013 wave of the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), a nationally representative survey on broad health topics. We employ ordinary least squares (OLS) regression to examine the links between cancer, neighborhood cohesion, and distress. Findings reveal no statistically significant difference in psychological distress between women with breast and cervical cancer. However, neighborhood social cohesion does moderate the effect of cancer on distress. While perceptions of neighborhood cohesion do not affect levels of psychological distress among women with breast cancer, perceived connectedness with neighbors translates into significantly lower levels of mental distress among women diagnosed with cervical cancer.

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Trends in stress among pregnant and postpartum women during the COVID-19 pandemic (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.30422 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Serwaa Omowale ◽

Andrea Casas ◽

Yu-Hsuan Lai ◽

Sarah Sanders ◽

Ashley Hill ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Racial Differences ◽

The United States ◽

Mean Stress ◽

Postpartum Health ◽

Black And White ◽

Pregnancy And Postpartum ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Stress Levels ◽

Change In Mean ◽

At Home

BACKGROUND Stress has been associated with adverse birth and postpartum health outcomes. Few studies have explored racial differences in maternal stress in a birthing population longitudinally in the United States (U.S.) during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to: (1) assess changes in reported stress before, during, and after initial emergency declarations (e.g., stay-at-home orders) were in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic and (2) assess Black-White differences in reported stress in a pregnant and postpartum population from Southwestern Pennsylvania. METHODS We leveraged data from the ongoing Postpartum Mothers Mobile Study (PMOMS) which surveys participants in real-time throughout the pregnancy and postpartum periods via ecological momentary assessment (EMA) and smartphone technology. We analyzed data from a subset of PMOMS participants (n=85) who were either Black or White, and who submitted EMA responses regarding stress between November 1, 2019 and August 31, 2020, the timeframe of this study. Data were divided into four phases based on significant events during the COVID-19 pandemic: a pre-phase (baseline), early-phase (first case of COVID-19 reported in U.S.), during-phase (stay-at-home orders), and post-phase (stay-at-home orders eased). We assessed mean stress levels at each phase using mixed-effects models and post-hoc contrasts based on the models. RESULTS Overall mean stress (min: 0, max: 4 as measured by a modified Cohen Perceived Stress Scale) during the pre-phase was 0.8 for Black and White participants [range for Black participants: 0-3.9, range for White participants: 0-2.8]. There was an increase of 0.26 points (t=5.19, d.f.=5649, p<.0001) in the during-phase as compared with the pre-phase, and an increase of 0.19 points (t=3.09, d.f.=5649, p=0.002) in the post-phase compared with the pre-phase (n=85). No difference was found between Black and White participants in the change in mean stress from the pre-phase to the during-phase (δ ̂= -0.016, p=0.867). There was a significant difference between Black and White participants in the change in mean stress from the during-phase to the post-phase (δ ̂ = -0.39, p<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS There was an overall increase in mean stress levels in this subset of pregnant and postpartum participants during the same time as the emergency declarations/stay-at-home orders in the US. Compared to baseline, mean stress levels remained elevated when stay-at-home orders eased. We found no significant difference in the mean stress levels by race. Given that stress is associated with adverse birth outcomes and postpartum health, stress induced by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic may have adverse implications for birthing populations in the U.S. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT RR2-10.2196/13569

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Testing for Racial Differences in the Mental Ability of Young Children

The American Economic Review ◽

10.1257/aer.103.2.981 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 103 (2) ◽

pp. 981-1005 ◽

Cited By ~ 40

Author(s):

Roland G Fryer ◽

Steven D Levitt

Keyword(s):

Racial Differences ◽

Test Scores ◽

Mental Ability ◽

Racial Groups ◽

Black And White ◽

Wide Range ◽

Prior Literature ◽

Nationally Representative ◽

Test Outcomes ◽

Parental Ability

Using a new nationally representative dataset, we find minor differences in test outcomes between black and white infants that disappear with a limited set of controls. However, relative to whites, all other races lose substantial ground by age two. Combining our estimates with results in prior literature, we show that a simple model with assortative mating fits our data well, implying that differences in children's environments between racial groups can fully explain gaps in intelligence. If parental ability influences a child's test scores both genetically and through environment, then our findings are less informative and can be reconciled with a wide range of racial differences in inherited intelligence.

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Evaluation of flow of chorioretinal capillaries in healthy black and white subjects using optical coherence tomography angiography

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-021-01380-6 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Nathalie Massamba ◽

Anna G. Mackin ◽

Lindsay Y. Chun ◽

Sarah Rodriguez ◽

Rose C. Dimitroyannis ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Optical Coherence Tomography ◽

Racial Differences ◽

Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography ◽

Capillary Density ◽

Foveal Avascular Zone ◽

Optical Coherence ◽

Flow Area ◽

Black And White ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Retinal Capillary

AbstractThis study compared macular capillary parameters between healthy black and white subjects using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). We measured vessel density (VD) of superficial (SCP), intermediate (ICP), and deep (DCP) capillary plexuses and choriocapillaris blood flow area (BFA) of the fovea, parafovea and total 3 mm-diameter circular area centered on the fovea, as well as the foveal avascular zone (FAZ) parameters, controlling for axial length. Black subjects had lower foveal and parafoveal VD in the SCP (p = 0.043 and p = 0.014) and the ICP (p = 0.014 and p = 0.002). In the DCP, black subjects had a trend toward lower foveal and parafoveal VD. Black subjects had decreased choriocapillaris BFA in the total 3 mm area (p = 0.011) and the parafovea (p = 0.033), larger FAZ area (p = 0.006) and perimeter (p = 0.014), and a higher capillary density in a 300 μm wide region around the FAZ (FD-300) (p = 0.001). There was no significant difference in FAZ acircularity index. To our knowledge, this is the first report analyzing the three distinct retinal capillary plexuses and identifying differing baseline VD, choriocapillaris and FAZ parameters in healthy young black compared to white subjects. Larger studies are needed to validate these findings and better understand racial differences in vulnerability to ocular diseases.

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Egg donation as a method of the treatment of infertility of poor responder`s in art clinic

HEALTH OF WOMAN ◽

10.15574/hw.2018.134.111 ◽

2018 ◽

pp. 111-116

Author(s):

G.V. Strelko ◽

◽

V.V. Ulanova ◽

O.A. Fesay ◽

◽

...

Keyword(s):

Social Status ◽

Ovarian Stimulation ◽

Controlled Ovarian Stimulation ◽

Daily Injection ◽

Poor Responders ◽

Recombinant Fsh ◽

Level Of Education ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Egg Donors ◽

Status Level

The objective: сomparative characteristics of patients – poor responders and egg donors with the study of the effectiveness of corypholitropin-α in the schemes of controlled ovarian stimulation with GnRH antagonists protocols. Materials and methods. The analysis of the main clinical characteristics of the patients in the selected groups, age category, social status, level of education, structure of motivations for participation in ART programs, etc., was carried out. The effectiveness of the scheme of controlled ovarian stimulation using prolonged FSH in the protocol with antGNRH was analyzed in comparison with the daily injections of recombinant FSH into the controlled ovarian stimulation programs in egg donors. Results. A statistically significant difference was found in the age of the patients in the selected groups, differences in social status, level of education, etc. It has been proven that ovarian stimulation with corypholitropin-α is as effective as daily injection of recombinant FSH for controlled ovarian stimulation from egg donors. In addition, patient perception of protocols using сorifollitropina-α proves better tolerability compared to traditional protocols, due to fewer injections, which reduces the likelihood of early termination of treatment. Conclusion. The use of prolonged-action FSH has the same efficacy as the traditional protocols of controlled ovarian stimulation in terms of the number of oocytes and embryos obtained, as well as the frequency of pregnancy per cycle and transfer, but at the same time demonstrates a statistically lower dose of FSH. Key words: poor responders, egg donors, controlled ovarian stimulation, corypholitropin-α.

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Racial differences in the perception of lung cancer: Data from the 2005 Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS)

Journal of Clinical Oncology ◽

10.1200/jco.2007.25.18_suppl.6556 ◽

2007 ◽

Vol 25 (18_suppl) ◽

pp. 6556-6556

Author(s):

C. S. Lathan ◽

C. Okechukwu ◽

B. F. Drake ◽

G. Bennett

Keyword(s):

Lung Cancer ◽

African Americans ◽

Racial Differences ◽

Lung Cancer Mortality ◽

Weighting Method ◽

Cancer Data ◽

Black And White ◽

Incidence And Mortality ◽

Nationally Representative ◽

White Patients

6556 Background: Black men have the highest rates of lung cancer incidence and mortality in the US, and yet continue to obtain treatment at lower rates than White patients. Racial differences in the perception of lung cancer in the population could contribute to racial disparities in seeking timely treatment. Methods: Data are from the 2005 HINTS survey. Sample design was random digit dialing of listed telephone exchanges in US. Complete interviews were conducted on 5491 adults, of which 1872 respondents were assigned to receive questions pertaining to lung cancer. All analyses were conducted on this subset of respondents. SAS callable SUDAAN was used to calculate χ2 tests and perform logistic regression analyses to model racial differences in perceptions of lung cancer. All estimates were weighted to be nationally representative of US population; jack knife weighting method was used for parameter estimation. Results: Black and White patients shared many of the same beliefs about lung cancer mortality, and etiology. African Americans were more likely than Whites to agree that its hard to follow recommendations about preventing lung cancer (OR 2.05 1.19–3.53 95% CI), to avoid evaluation for lung cancer due to fear of having the disease (OR 3.32 1.84–5.98 95% CI), and to believe that patients with lung cancer would have pain or other symptoms before diagnosis (OR 2.20 1.27–3.79 95% CI). Conclusions: African Americans are more likely to hold beliefs about lung cancer that could interfere with prevention and treatment of lung cancer. No significant financial relationships to disclose. [Table: see text]

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An Exploratory Study on Determinants of Regular Group Indoor Cycling Participation in Black and White Adults

SAGE Open ◽

10.1177/2158244019863568 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 9 (3) ◽

pp. 215824401986356

Author(s):

Alvin L. Morton ◽

Lyndsey M. Hornbuckle ◽

Miguel Aranda ◽

Derrick T. Yates ◽

Courtney L. Anderson

Keyword(s):

Racial Differences ◽

Self Regulation ◽

Autonomous Motivation ◽

Regular Exercise ◽

Exercise Motivation ◽

Regular Group ◽

Exercise Participation ◽

Black And White ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Intensity Of Exercise

This study investigated factors influencing regular group indoor cycling (GIC) participation in a sample of Black (71%) and White (29%) adults. Seventeen regular GIC participants (≥1 day/week for ≥3 consecutive months) completed surveys that examined motivations for GIC participation. Treatment Self-Regulation Questionnaire (TSRQ), Preference for and Tolerance of Intensity of Exercise Questionnaire (PRETIE-Q), and open-ended survey questions were used. TSRQ showed autonomous motivation was significantly higher than controlled ( p <.001) and amotivation ( p < .001), with no significant difference between controlled and amotivation ( p = .08). There was no significant interaction between motivation and race. There were no significant differences between race groups for PRETIE-Q. Five themes emerged as reasons for GIC participation: music, physical health, social support, studio atmosphere, and enjoyment/fun. Racial differences surfaced in the themes. More research is needed to understand the role of cultural relevance as it relates to exercise motivation and regular exercise participation. This could inform strategies for promoting regular exercise in various populations.

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Psychological Distress and Access to Care Among Midlife Women

Journal of Aging and Health ◽

10.1177/0898264318822367 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 32 (5-6) ◽

pp. 317-327

Author(s):

Pamela Jo Johnson ◽

Judy Jou ◽

Dawn M. Upchurch

Keyword(s):

Health Care ◽

Psychological Distress ◽

Healthy Aging ◽

The United States ◽

Midlife Women ◽

Care Needs ◽

Interview Survey ◽

Unmet Health Care Needs ◽

Nationally Representative ◽

Using Data

Objective: The objective of this study is to examine unmet health care needs among midlife women (ages 50-64 years) in the United States by level of psychological distress. Method: Using data for a nationally representative sample of midlife women ( N = 8,838) from the 2015-2016 National Health Interview Survey, we estimated odds ratios of reasons for delayed care and types of care foregone by level of psychological distress—none, moderate (moderate psychological distress [MPD], and severe (severe psychological distress [SPD]). Findings: More than one in five midlife women had MPD (15.3%) or SPD (5.2%). Women with MPD or SPD had 2 to 5 times higher odds of delayed and 2 to 20 times higher odds of foregone care. Conclusions: Midlife women with psychological distress have poorer health than those with no distress, yet they are less likely to get needed health care. There is a missed window of opportunity to address mental health needs and manage comorbid chronic conditions to facilitate healthy aging.

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An Analysis of Black–White Racial Differences in Public Support for Nonviolent Sentencing Reform

Race and Justice ◽

10.1177/2153368718768388 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 10 (4) ◽

pp. 456-479 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Kevin H. Wozniak

Keyword(s):

Racial Differences ◽

Public Support ◽

Independent Effect ◽

Community Based ◽

Drug Offenders ◽

Nonviolent Offenders ◽

Black And White ◽

Sentencing Reform ◽

Nationally Representative ◽

The Relationship

I examine public support for sentencing reform for nonviolent offenders situated within a justice reinvestment context. I analyze data from a survey administered to a nationally representative sample of White and Black Americans. I pay particular attention to differences in support between the two races, and I analyze the degree to which ideological beliefs explain interracial differences. I find that a larger number of both Black and White people support, rather than oppose, sentencing property and drug offenders to community-based sanctions instead of prison, but the likelihood that a person will express support or opposition is related to several ideological beliefs and demographic characteristics. I find that racism and the belief that the criminal justice system is fair mediate the relationship between race and support for sentencing property offenders to community-based sanctions, but race continues to exert an independent effect in regard to sentencing drug offenders.

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Racial differences in institutional trust and COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and refusal

BMC Public Health ◽

10.1186/s12889-021-12195-5 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Anisah B. Bagasra ◽

Sara Doan ◽

Christopher T. Allen

Keyword(s):

Racial Differences ◽

Scientific Community ◽

Local Community ◽

The United States ◽

Vaccine Hesitancy ◽

Institutional Trust ◽

Vaccination Rates ◽

Alaskan Natives ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Nationally Representative

Abstract Background Previous research has indicated that demographic differences affect COVID-19 vaccination rates. Trust, in both the vaccine itself and institutional trust, is one possible factor. The present study examines racial differences in institutional trust and vaccine status among a nationally representative sample of adults in the United States. Methods Data for the current study was collected as part of Wave 8 Omnibus 2000 survey conducted by RAND ALP and consisted of 2080 participants. Responses were collected through the online RAND ALP survey in March 2021. Results Trust in the scientific community was the strongest predictor for already receiving at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at the time of study. Asians had a significantly higher trust in the scientific community compared to all other groups. Results also showed a significant difference in level of trust of the government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic with Indian/Alaskan Natives reporting lower trust compared to Whites, Blacks and Asians. Asians also had a significantly higher level of trust when compared to those who identified as racial Other. Those who identify as American Indian/Alaskan Natives had the lowest levels of institutional trust. Trust in the government’s response was not indicative of vaccination within the sample. Conclusions Strategies to increase trust of the scientific community can be employed to address vaccine hesitancy through community-based initiatives and building of partnerships between the scientific community and local community stakeholders.

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