Influence of Islamic Traditions on Breastfeeding Beliefs and Practices Among African American Muslims in West Philadelphia: A Mixed-Methods Study

2017 ◽  
Vol 34 (1) ◽  
pp. 164-175 ◽  
Author(s):  
Camilia Kamoun ◽  
Diane Spatz
Keyword(s):  
African American ◽  
Community Education ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Community Leaders ◽  
American Muslims ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Beliefs And Practices ◽  
Attitudes And Practices ◽  
Breastfeeding Attitudes

Background: Little is known regarding the influence of religion on breastfeeding in African American communities. In particular, whether Islamic traditions influence breastfeeding beliefs and practices among African American Muslims has not been studied. Research aim: This study sought to gain understanding of breastfeeding attitudes, rates, and education among African American Muslims in West Philadelphia and to examine if engaging Islamic teachings in breastfeeding education can positively influence breastfeeding attitudes. Methods: Open-ended, in-person, digitally recorded qualitative interviews were conducted with 10 community leaders and analyzed by conventional content analysis. A study tool distributed to a convenience sample of 44 community members and 11 leaders was used to gather information about education received from community leaders, breastfeeding attitudes and practices, and the potential for Islamic teachings to positively affect breastfeeding attitudes and practices. To obtain further data on this last topic, preliminary data analysis guided the creation of an education pamphlet, about which feedback was gathered through another study tool. Results: Education surrounding Islamic perspectives on breastfeeding was not prevalent. African American Muslims in West Philadelphia view breastfeeding favorably and have higher rates of breastfeeding than African Americans as a whole. Community education about breastfeeding that engaged Islamic teachings improved respondents’ breastfeeding attitudes. Conclusion: Increasing education among providers and African American Muslims about Islamic perspectives on breastfeeding may improve breastfeeding exclusivity and duration. Healthcare providers who care for Muslim women should be aware of Islam’s tradition of positive attitudes toward breastfeeding and partner with Muslim leaders to improve breastfeeding rates and duration among such women.

scholarly journals 1152. Leveraging Human Factors Engineering to Optimize Low-level Disinfection of Bedside Medical Tools

2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (suppl_1) ◽  
pp. S346-S346
Author(s):  
Lori Handy ◽  
Orysia Bezpalko ◽  
Hillary Hei ◽  
Carly Ehritz ◽  
Sara Townsend ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Human Factors ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Human Factors Engineering ◽  
Free Standing ◽  
Provider Attitudes ◽  
Cleaning Product ◽  
Low Level ◽  
Attitudes And Practices ◽  
Direct Observations

Abstract Background Inadequate cleaning and disinfection of shared medical equipment can lead to healthcare-associated infections and outbreaks. Stethoscopes were identified as the most commonly used piece of shared equipment at our institution, but cleaning practices were inconsistent among providers. We aimed to assess provider attitudes and practices around stethoscope disinfection and to subsequently implement a test of change (TOC) supported by human factors observations to improve cleaning consistency and frequency. Methods We conducted an anonymous electronic survey via SurveyMonkey paired with human factors observations in a free-standing children’s hospital. We surveyed physicians, nurses, and advanced practice providers to identify barriers to regular stethoscope cleaning. Quantitative results, human factors observations, and workflow simulations on a single unit were used to design an intervention to standardize low-level disinfection. Small mesh baskets holding alcohol prep pads labeled with brightly colored signage were installed by the exit of each patient room on one trial unit. Following implementation, a postsurvey and direct observations on the unit were conducted. Results Of those surveyed healthcare providers who completed the pre-survey (n = 383), 92% believed stethoscopes pose an infection risk to patients. However, only 38% of respondents reported cleaning their stethoscope between patient encounters. The most cited barrier to cleaning was a lack of easily accessible cleaning product (49%). After the unit-based TOC, alcohol from baskets were utilized by 80% of the 25 surveyed providers; 74% reported increased frequency of cleaning due to accessibility. Additionally, the brightly colored signage was a visual cue to disinfect equipment. Increased satisfaction of families reinforced the behavior. Direct observations revealed an increased frequency of cleaning while qualitative interviews elicited increased awareness from staff. Conclusion Leveraging human factors engineering to inform the placement and design of easily accessible disinfection supplies correlated with increased frequency of stethoscope cleaning by healthcare providers. Future steps include implementation in all inpatient care areas. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

African American Muslims

2014 ◽  
Author(s):  
Caroline Moxley Rouse
Keyword(s):  
African American ◽  
White Supremacy ◽  
African American History ◽  
The United States ◽  
African American Community ◽  
Ethical Standards ◽  
American Muslims ◽  
Institutionalized Racism ◽  
Beliefs And Practices ◽  
African American Islam

This chapter sees the embrace of Islam within the African American community as a response to white supremacy and struggles for citizenship. It is important to recognize that while the community is diverse in its beliefs and practices, African American Islam is marked by an approach to faith that speaks to the continuing struggle for equality and social justice in the United States. The violence and institutionalized racism that have marked African American history were justified by theories of black inferiority. Many African American Muslims consider their faith protective in the sense that it uses a different set of authoritative discourses and ethical standards for measuring value and meaning. In particular, Islam authorizes new understandings of gender, race, and citizenship that African American Muslims find empowering and protective against racial self-hate.

Improvement of Knowledge, Attitudes, and Beliefs of African American Men Toward Prostate Cancer Screening

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 84-89
Author(s):  
Carlos D. Adams ◽  
Jeffery Wade Forehand ◽  
Eula W. Pines
Keyword(s):  
Prostate Cancer ◽  
African American ◽  
Cancer Screening ◽  
Prostate Cancer Screening ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Strong Positive Correlation ◽  
Attitudes And Beliefs ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages

BackgroundProstate cancer (PCa) is a major public health concern among African American (A.A.) men. A.A. men have the highest PCa incidences nationally and internationally.ObjectiveThe goal of this pilot study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an evidence-based PCa awareness intervention designed to positively affect the knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs of A.A. men regarding PCa screening.MethodA quantitative pre/post survey research design was utilized. A convenience sample of 11 subjects were recruited. The intervention consisted of a pre-survey, video presentation, oral presentation, question and answer session, and post-survey. The Thomas Jefferson University Prostate Cancer Screening Survey was used as the survey instrument.ResultsThe findings revealed a strong positive correlation between age of participants and pre-test scores. As education level increased among the participants so did knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs.ConclusionsThe study's goal was met by increasing awareness and changing knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs in A.A. men regarding PCa screening.Implications for NursingNurses and healthcare providers should encourage discussions with A.A. men regarding advantages and disadvantages of PCa screening that embraces cultural awareness. PCa knowledge is important for shared decision-making with healthcare providers.

Attitudes, Beliefs, and Practices Regarding Asthma Care Among Providers and Adult Asthmatics in Imperial County

2003 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 88-100
Author(s):  
Paula Kriner ◽  
Yolanda Bernal
Keyword(s):  
Focus Groups ◽  
Cultural Beliefs ◽  
National Guidelines ◽  
Medical Practitioners ◽  
Beliefs And Practices ◽  
Attitudes And Practices ◽  
Hospitalization Rates ◽  
Adult Asthmatic ◽  
Asthma Hospitalization ◽  
Survey Results

Asthma is a major cause of morbidity in children and adults. Imperial County has reported among the highest asthma hospitalization rates in the state. Factors such as poverty, access to care, poor selfmanagement skills, and ethnocultural beliefs may influence asthma exacerbations. Provider and adult asthmatic attitudes, beliefs, and practices regarding asthma were examined using a mixed-methods approach: a survey to evaluate provider conformance with national guidelines, and focus groups targeting medical practitioners and adult asthmatics. Half of all providers who treat asthmatics completed a self-administered survey about asthma diagnosis; clinical monitoring of patients; treatment; patient education; and practice guidelines. Provider focus groups further explored survey results. Adult asthmatics participated in Spanishlanguage focus groups exploring cultural beliefs, attitudes, and practices. El asma es la mayor causa de morbilidad entre niños y adultos. El Condado de Imperial ha reportado las tazas más altas de hospitalización a causa de asma en el estado. Factores como la pobreza, acceso a cuidado médico, falta de experiencia sobre como manejar la enfermedad, y creencias étnicas y culturales pueden tener una influencia en las exacerbaciones del asma. Las actitudes, creencias, y prácticas de proveedores de atención médica y adultos concerniente al asma fueron examinadas utilizando varios métodos: una encuesta con el fin de evaluar el nivel de conformidad de los proveedores según las pautas establecidas a nivel nacional, y grupos foco con médicos y adultos con asma. La mitad de los proveedores que proveen atención a asmáticos completaron una encuesta acerca del diagnosis de asma; el monitoreo clínico de los pacientes; administración de tratamiento; educación a los pacientes; y pautas establecidas para proveer atención a pacientes con asma. Los grupos foco con los proveedores exploraron aun más los resultados de las encuestas. Los adultos con asma participaron en grupos foco dirigidos en español para explorar más a fondo las creencias culturales, actitudes y prácticas.

Identification of Current Best Practices for Short-term Medical Mission Trips and Adherence to Current Common Principles and Guidelines

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 67-82
Author(s):  
Susan Andrews
Keyword(s):  
Best Practices ◽  
Global Health ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
Survey Methodology ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Final Analysis ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Operational Practices ◽  
Descriptive Survey

Background:  Recent reviews of published guidelines for conducting short-term medical missions (STMM) identify significant concerns about the lack of adherence and of formal regulations concurrent with the increasing number of individuals and organizations participating in STMM. Method: A descriptive survey methodology was used. A 44-item survey that identifies current practices utilized by healthcare providers (HCP) who have participated in STMM was used based on the literature and prior research, and distributed electronically to HCP participating in STTM to identify current best practices and compare findings with the most recent recommendations for short-term global health activities. A focus on current operational practices was surveyed and analyzed to develop operational recommendations for the ethical and safe care provided during STMM. Results: Eighty-seven surveys were included in the final analysis, with 33% (N=29) serving as coordinators for the trip. The majority of the respondents were female (67%) and the primary roles represented were: MD (N=17; 20%), nurse practitioner (N=20; 23%), and registered nurse (N=18; 21%). A majority (N=48; 67%) traveled to South America or Latin America, with 38% (N=33) having participated in four or more STMM. Language proficiency was reported as deficient (N=35; 40%) along with little or no knowledge of the basic culture (N=39; 45%). Additional data were collected on trip preparation, clinic operations, and outcomes follow up. Conclusions: Using a convenience sample, the results of the survey provide information on the current best practices utilized by HCP who have participated in STMM and compare the findings to assess for adherence with the most recent recommendations for short-term global health activities. There was variation in the degree to which HCP were knowledgeable about specific aspects related to knowledge of local culture, language proficiency, and adherence to recommended practices for STMM. Additional research on STMM is needed, along with further exploration of how evidence based practices for STMM can be implemented to improve access and safety to the care provided while in the host country.

scholarly journals NICU and postpartum nurse perspectives on involving fathers in newborn care: a qualitative study

BMC Nursing ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Katharine W. Buek ◽  
Dagoberto Cortez ◽  
Dorothy J. Mandell
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Father Involvement ◽  
Perinatal Care ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Newborn Care ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Provider Attitudes ◽  
Attitudes And Practices ◽  
Sense Of Efficacy

Abstract Background Perinatal care nurses are well positioned to provide the education and support new fathers need to navigate the transition to fatherhood and to encourage positive father involvement from the earliest hours of a child’s life. To effectively serve fathers in perinatal settings, it is important to understand the attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors of healthcare providers that may encourage and engage them, or alternatively alienate and discourage them. Methods This qualitative study involved structured interviews with ten NICU and postpartum nurses from hospitals in two large Texas cities. The interview protocol was designed to elicit descriptive information about nurses’ attitudes and beliefs, sense of efficacy and intention for working with fathers, as well as their father-directed behaviors. Nurses were recruited for the study using a purposive sampling approach. Interviews were conducted by telephone and lasted approximately 25 to 35 min. Data were analyzed using a qualitative descriptive approach. Results Overall, study participants held very positive subjective attitudes toward fathers and father involvement. Nevertheless, many of the nurses signaled normative beliefs based on race/ethnicity, gender, and culture that may moderate their intention to engage with fathers. Participants also indicated that their education as well as the culture of perinatal healthcare are focused almost entirely on the mother-baby dyad. In line with this focus on mothers, participants comments reflected a normative belief that fathers are secondary caregivers to their newborns, there to help when the mother is unavailable. Conclusions Nurse attitudes and practices that place mothers in the role of primary caregiver may be interpreted by fathers as excluding or disregarding them. Further research is needed to validate the results of this small-scale study, and to assess whether and how provider attitudes impact their practices in educating and engaging fathers in newborn care.

scholarly journals Healthcare Providers’ Vaccine Perceptions, Hesitancy, and Recommendation to Patients: A Systematic Review

Vaccines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (7) ◽  
pp. 713
Author(s):  
Cheryl Lin ◽  
Jewel Mullen ◽  
Danielle Smith ◽  
Michaela Kotarba ◽  
Samantha J. Kaplan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Disease Risk ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Vaccine Safety ◽  
Survey Study ◽  
Vaccine Hesitancy ◽  
Attitudes And Practices ◽  
Inadequate Knowledge ◽  
Vaccine Confidence ◽  
And Behavior ◽  
Demographic Impact

Despite vaccines’ effectiveness in reducing the rate of preventable diseases, vaccine hesitancy has threatened public health and economies worldwide. Healthcare providers’ (HCP) communications and behavior strongly influence patient receptivity and uptake. The goal of this review was to examine HCP vaccine perceptions, knowledge, and reservations and how these attitudes affect their recommendations and vaccination practices. Primary research studies published by 16 September 2020 were searched in PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, CINAHL, and PsycINFO. A 14-item scale was developed for survey study and risk of bias appraisal (SSRBA). In total, 96 papers from 34 countries were included, covering 17 vaccines (HPV and influenza vaccines the most studied). Recommendation was positively associated with provider knowledge and experience, beliefs about disease risk, and perceptions of vaccine safety, necessity, and efficacy. HCP vaccination attitudes and practices varied across specialties, vaccines, and countries; demographic impact was inconclusive. Barriers included anticipation of patient/parental concerns or refusal, lacking clear guidelines, time constraints, and cost. For HPV, vaccines were more often recommended to older, female adolescents and by physicians who discussed sexual health. HCPs are vital advocates for patients and the public, but studies indicated a prevalence of provider hesitancy pertaining to inadequate knowledge, low vaccine confidence, and suboptimal uptake themselves. Improving HCP knowledge and assuring their access to information they deem trustworthy are essential to supporting HCPs‘ role as “trusted messengers” to promote vaccine acceptance.

Predictors of Academic Self-Concept for African American College Students

2016 ◽  
Vol 43 (6) ◽  
pp. 636-653
Author(s):  
Andrew S. Franklin ◽  
Scott M. Debb ◽  
Darlene G. Colson
Keyword(s):  
College Students ◽  
African American ◽  
Racial Identity ◽  
Grade Point Average ◽  
Self Concept ◽  
African American College Students ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Grade Point ◽  
Historically Black University

This study explored the roles of demographic variables, grade point average, centrality (an aspect of racial identity), and student-professor interactions in predicting academic self-concept. A convenience sample of 132 African American students (104 females and 28 males) ranging in age from 18 to 38 ( Mage = 26), attending a historically Black university completed an online questionnaire assessing demographic information, grade point average, an aspect of racial identity from the Multidimensional Inventory of Black Identity, student-professor interactions, and academic self-concept. Results showed that grade point average and student-professor interactions characterized by faculty’s level of care were significant factors in predicting academic self-concept. These relationships may be important for understanding salient factors that influence the academic self-concept in African American college students.

scholarly journals Medication understanding and health literacy among patients with multiple chronic conditions: a study conducted in Bangladesh

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fahad Imtiaz Rahman ◽  
Farina Aziz ◽  
Sumaiya Huque ◽  
Sadia Afruz Ether
Keyword(s):  
Health Literacy ◽  
Chronic Conditions ◽  
Chronic Condition ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Poor Health ◽  
Multiple Chronic Conditions ◽  
Multiple Chronic Condition ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Individual Interviews ◽  
Reduce Medication Error

Objectives: Medication understanding is critical for patients who suffer from multiple chronic conditions in order to reduce medication error and is often associated with poor health outcomesand low adherence. This study aims to identify the gap of medication knowledge among multiple chronic condition patients in Bangladesh, in order to aid physicians and other healthcare providers in improving health literacy.Methods: Individual interviews of a convenience sample of multiple chronic condition patients in Bangladesh were heldwhere they were asked a number of questions for assessing medication related literacy.Results: More than 26% patients failed to cite the brand name of all their prescribed medications while the rate of patients not knowing the generic names was far worse (88.1%). Nearly 1 out of every 4 patients did not know the purpose of all their medications and more than half of the participants (55%) did not know the strengths of their drugs. While knowledge about medication routes and regimen was satisfactory, awareness regarding risk factors of medicine was lowest of all. Only 1 out of every 4 patients had a habit of reading drug information leaflet. Patient’s ability to correctly state the purpose of their medication seemed to be positively associated with age (p=0.004) and negatively associated with number of medicines taken (p=0.03).Conclusions: Many patients demonstrated poor health literacy regarding medication. Routine review of medications from physician or health provider can significantly improve their health literacy, leading to better treatment outcome and medication adherence.

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