Gender and Racial/Ethnic Differences on Performance Assessments in Science

1997 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 83-97 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen P. Klein ◽  
Jasna Jovanovic ◽  
Brian M. Stecher ◽  
Dan McCaffrey ◽  
Richard J. Shavelson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ethnic Groups ◽  
Ethnic Differences ◽  
Performance Assessments ◽  
Statewide Testing ◽  
Multiple Choice Tests ◽  
Hands On ◽  
Choice Tests ◽  
Science Test ◽  
Racial Ethnic ◽  
Science Performance

We examined whether the differences in mean scores among gender and racial/ethnic groups on science performance assessments are comparable to the differences that are typically found among these groups on traditional multiple-choice tests. To do this, several hands-on science performance assessments and other measures were administered to over 2,000 students in grades five, six, and nine as part of a field test of California’s statewide testing program. Girls tended to have higher overall mean scores than boys on the performance measures, but boys tended to score higher than girls on certain types of questions within a performance task. In contrast, differences in mean scores among racial/ethnic groups on one type of test (or question) were comparable to the differences among these groups on the other measures studied. Overall, the results suggest that the type of science test used is unlikely to have much effect on gender or racial/ethnic differences in scores.

Applying the Health Belief Model to Characterize Racial/Ethnic Differences in Digital Conversations Related to Depression Pre– and Mid–COVID-19 (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ruby Castilla-Puentes ◽  
Jacqueline Pesa ◽  
Caroline Brethenoux ◽  
Patrick Furey ◽  
Liliana Gil Valletta ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Belief Model ◽  
Ethnic Groups ◽  
Ethnic Differences ◽  
Health Belief ◽  
Depression Symptoms ◽  
Seeking Help ◽  
Key Drivers ◽  
Race Ethnicity ◽  
Belief Model ◽  
Racial Ethnic

BACKGROUND The prevalence of depression symptoms in the United States is >3 times higher mid–COVID-19 versus pre-pandemic. Racial/ethnic differences in mindsets around depression and the potential impact of the COVID-19 pandemic are not well characterized. OBJECTIVE To describe attitudes, mindsets, key drivers, and barriers related to depression pre– and mid–COVID-19 by race/ethnicity using digital conversations about depression mapped to health belief model (HBM) concepts. METHODS Advanced search, data extraction, and AI-powered tools were used to harvest, mine, and structure open-source digital conversations of US adults who engaged in conversations about depression pre– (February 1, 2019-February 29, 2020) and mid–COVID-19 pandemic (March 1, 2020-November 1, 2020) across the internet. Natural language processing, text analytics, and social data mining were used to categorize conversations that included a self-identifier into racial/ethnic groups. Conversations were mapped to HBM concepts (ie, perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefits, perceived barriers, cues to action, and self-efficacy). Results are descriptive in nature. RESULTS Of 2.9 and 1.3 million relevant digital conversations pre– and mid–COVID-19, race/ethnicity was determined among 1.8 million (62%) and 979,000 (75%) conversations pre– and mid–COVID-19, respectively. Pre–COVID-19, 1.3 million conversations about depression occurred among non-Hispanic Whites (NHW), 227,200 among Black Americans (BA), 189,200 among Hispanics, and 86,800 among Asian Americans (AS). Mid–COVID-19, 736,100 conversations about depression occurred among NHW, 131,800 among BA, 78,300 among Hispanics, and 32,800 among AS. Conversations among all racial/ethnic groups had a negative tone, which increased pre– to mid–COVID-19; finding support from others was seen as a benefit among most groups. Hispanics had the highest rate of any racial/ethnic group of conversations showing an avoidant mindset toward their depression. Conversations related to external barriers to seeking treatment (eg, stigma, lack of support, and lack of resources) were generally more prevalent among Hispanics, BA, and AS than among NHW. Being able to benefit others and building a support system were key drivers to seeking help or treatment for all racial/ethnic groups. CONCLUSIONS Applying concepts of the HBM to data on digital conversation about depression allowed organization of the most frequent themes by race/ethnicity. Individuals of all groups came online to discuss their depression. There were considerable racial/ethnic differences in drivers and barriers to seeking help and treatment for depression pre– and mid–COVID-19. Generally, COVID-19 has made conversations about depression more negative, and with frequent discussions of barriers to seeking care. These data highlight opportunities for culturally competent and targeted approaches to address areas amenable to change that might impact the ability of people to ask for or receive mental health help, such as the constructs that comprise the HBM.

scholarly journals Racial/ethnic differences in inpatient mortality and use of institutional postacute care following subarachnoid hemorrhage

2013 ◽  
Vol 119 (6) ◽  
pp. 1627-1632 ◽  
Author(s):  
Blessing N. R. Jaja ◽  
Gustavo Saposnik ◽  
Rosane Nisenbaum ◽  
Benjamin W. Y. Lo ◽  
Tom A. Schweizer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Subarachnoid Hemorrhage ◽  
Ethnic Groups ◽  
Ethnic Differences ◽  
Institutional Care ◽  
Inpatient Mortality ◽  
Risk Of Death ◽  
The Us ◽  
Hispanic Patients ◽  
Racial Ethnic ◽  
White Patients

Object The goal of this study was to determine racial/ethnic differences in inpatient mortality rates and the use of institutional postacute care following subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) in the US. Methods A cross-sectional study of hospital discharges for SAH was conducted using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample for the years 2005–2010. Discharges with a principal diagnosis of SAH were identified and abstracted using the appropriate ICD-9-CM diagnostic code. Racial/ethnic groups were defined as white, black, Hispanic, Asian/Pacific Islander (API), and American Indian. Multinomial logistic regression analyses were performed comparing racial/ethnic groups with respect to the primary outcome of risk of in-hospital mortality and the secondary outcome of likelihood of discharge to institutional care. Results During the study period, 31,631 discharges were related to SAH. Race/ethnicity was a significant predictor of death (p = 0.003) and discharge to institutional care (p ≤ 0.001). In the adjusted analysis, compared with white patients, API patients were at higher risk of death (OR 1.34, 95% CI 1.13–1.59) and Hispanic patients were at lower risk of death (OR 0.84, 95% CI 0.72–0.97). The likelihood of discharge to institutional care was statistically similar between white, Hispanic, API, and Native American patients. Black patients were more likely to be discharged to institutional care compared with white patients (OR 1.27, 95% CI 1.14–1.40), but were similar to white patients in the risk of death. Conclusions Significant racial/ethnic differences are present in the risk of inpatient mortality and discharge to institutional care among patients with SAH in the US. Outcome is likely to be poor among API patients and best among Hispanic patients compared with other groups.

scholarly journals Differences in Subjective Memory Impairment, Depressive Symptoms, Sleep, and Physical Activity in African American and Asian American Elderly

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (9) ◽  
pp. 1155
Author(s):  
Minsun Lee ◽  
Jin-Hyeok Nam ◽  
Elizabeth Yi ◽  
Aisha Bhimla ◽  
Julie Nelson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Ethnic Groups ◽  
Ethnic Differences ◽  
Asian American ◽  
Memory Impairment ◽  
Subjective Memory ◽  
Subjective Memory Impairment ◽  
Negative Health Outcomes ◽  
Racial Ethnic

Background: Subjective memory impairment (SMI) is associated with negative health outcomes including mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease. However, ethnic differences in SMI and disparities in risk factors associated with SMI among minority populations are understudied. The study examined the ethnic differences in SMI, whether SMI was associated with depressive symptoms, sleep, and physical activity (PA), and whether the associations vary across racial/ethnic groups. Methods: Participants included 243 African and Asian Americans (including Chinese, Vietnamese, and Korean Americans) aged 50 or older. Demographic information, SMI, depressive symptoms, daily sleeping hours, and PA levels were assessed. Results: Vietnamese Americans reported the highest SMI score. Depressive symptoms, sleeping hours, and PA levels were significantly associated with SMI. Depressive symptoms were the only significant factor across all ethnic groups. Significant interaction effects were found between ethnicity and health behaviors in predicting SMI. In particular, Vietnamese American participants with greater depressive symptoms and physical inactivity were significantly more likely to experience SMI compared to other ethnic groups Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate ethnic differences in SMI and its association with depressive symptoms, sleep, and PA, which highlight the importance of considering the unique cultural and historical backgrounds across different racial/ethnic groups when examining cognitive functioning in elderly.

scholarly journals Potential Mechanisms for Racial and Ethnic Differences in Antimüllerian Hormone and Ovarian Reserve

2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Reshef Tal ◽  
David B. Seifer
Keyword(s):  
Ethnic Groups ◽  
Racial Differences ◽  
Ethnic Differences ◽  
Ovarian Reserve ◽  
Pubertal Timing ◽  
Reproductive Potential ◽  
Racial And Ethnic Differences ◽  
Antimullerian Hormone ◽  
Antimüllerian Hormone ◽  
Racial Ethnic

Accumulating evidence suggests that reproductive potential and function may be different across racial and ethnic groups. Racial differences have been demonstrated in pubertal timing, infertility, outcomes after assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatment, and reproductive aging. Recently, racial differences have also been described in serum antimüllerian hormone (AMH), a sensitive biomarker of ovarian reserve, supporting the notion that ovarian reserve differs between racial/ethnic groups. The existence of such racial/ethnic differences in ovarian reserve, as reflected by AMH, may have important clinical implications for reproductive endocrinologists. However, the mechanisms which may underlie such racial differences in ovarian reserve are unclear. Various genetic factors and environmental factors such as obesity, smoking, and vitamin D deficiency which have been shown to correlate with serum AMH levels and also display significant racial/ethnic variations are discussed in this review. Improving our understanding of racial differences in ovarian reserve and their underlying causes may be essential for infertility treatment in minority women and lead to better reproductive planning, improved treatment outcomes, and timely interventions which may prolong reproductive lifespan in these women.

scholarly journals Trends in Cigar Use in the United States, 2002–2016: Diverging Trends by Race/Ethnicity

2019 ◽  
Vol 22 (4) ◽  
pp. 583-587 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea H Weinberger ◽  
Cristine D Delnevo ◽  
Jiaqi Zhu ◽  
Misato Gbedemah ◽  
Joun Lee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Black Women ◽  
Ethnic Group ◽  
Ethnic Groups ◽  
Ethnic Differences ◽  
Mixed Race ◽  
The United States ◽  
Race Ethnicity ◽  
Racial Ethnic ◽  
Over Time

Abstract Introduction Although there are racial/ethnic differences in cigarette use, little is known about how non-cigarette tobacco use differs among racial/ethnic groups. This study investigated trends in cigar use from 2002 to 2016, by racial/ethnic group, in nationally representative US data. Methods Data were drawn from the 2002–2016 National Survey on Drug Use and Health public use data files (total analytic sample n = 630 547 including 54 060 past-month cigar users). Linear time trends of past-month cigar use were examined by racial/ethnic group (Non-Hispanic [NH] White, NH Black, Hispanic, NH Other/Mixed Race/Ethnicity) using logistic regression models. Results In 2016, the prevalence of past-month cigar use was significantly higher among NH Black respondents than among other racial/ethnic groups (ps < .001). Cigar use was also higher among NH White respondents than among Hispanic and NH Other/Mixed Race/Ethnicity respondents. The year by racial/ethnic group interaction was significant (p < .001). Past-month cigar use decreased significantly from 2002 to 2016 among NH White and Hispanic respondents (ps = .001), whereas no change in prevalence was observed among NH Black (p = .779) and NH Other/Mixed Race/Ethnicity respondents (p = .152). Cigar use decreased for NH White men (p < .001) and did not change for NH White women (p = .884). Conversely, cigar use increased for NH Black women (p < .001) and did not change for NH Black men (p = .546). Conclusions Cigar use remains significantly more common among NH Black individuals in the United States and is not declining among NH Black and NH Other/Mixed Race/Ethnicity individuals over time, in contrast to declines among NH White and Hispanic individuals. Implications This study identified racial/ethnic differences in trends in past-month cigar use over 15 years among annual cross-sectional samples of US individuals. The highest prevalence of cigar use in 2016 was found among NH Black individuals. In addition, cigar use prevalence did not decline from 2002 to 2016 among NH Black and NH Other/Mixed Race/Ethnicity groups over time, in contrast to NH White and Hispanic groups. Further, cigar use increased over time for NH Black women. Targeted public health and clinical efforts may be needed to decrease the prevalence of cigar use, especially for NH Black individuals.

scholarly journals Racial/ethnic variation in trauma-related psychopathology in the United States: a population-based study

2018 ◽  
Vol 49 (13) ◽  
pp. 2215-2226 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katie A. McLaughlin ◽  
Kiara Alvarez ◽  
Mirko Fillbrunn ◽  
Jennifer Greif Green ◽  
James S. Jackson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Disorders ◽  
Ethnic Groups ◽  
Ethnic Minorities ◽  
Ethnic Differences ◽  
Physical Violence ◽  
The United States ◽  
National Sample ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Organized Violence ◽  
Racial Ethnic

AbstractBackgroundThe prevalence of mental disorders among Black, Latino, and Asian adults is lower than among Whites. Factors that explain these differences are largely unknown. We examined whether racial/ethnic differences in exposure to traumatic events (TEs) or vulnerability to trauma-related psychopathology explained the lower rates of psychopathology among racial/ethnic minorities.MethodsWe estimated the prevalence of TE exposure and associations with onset of DSM-IV depression, anxiety and substance disorders and with lifetime post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in the Collaborative Psychiatric Epidemiology Surveys, a national sample (N = 13 775) with substantial proportions of Black (35.9%), Latino (18.9%), and Asian Americans (14.9%).ResultsTE exposure varied across racial/ethnic groups. Asians were most likely to experience organized violence – particularly being a refugee – but had the lowest exposure to all other TEs. Blacks had the greatest exposure to participation in organized violence, sexual violence, and other TEs, Latinos had the highest exposure to physical violence, and Whites were most likely to experience accidents/injuries. Racial/ethnic minorities had lower odds ratios of depression, anxiety, and substance disorder onset relative to Whites. Neither variation in TE exposure nor vulnerability to psychopathology following TEs across racial/ethnic groups explained these differences. Vulnerability to PTSD did vary across groups, however, such that Asians were less likely and Blacks more likely to develop PTSD following TEs than Whites.ConclusionsLower prevalence of mental disorders among racial/ethnic minorities does not appear to reflect reduced vulnerability to TEs, with the exception of PTSD among Asians. This highlights the importance of investigating other potential mechanisms underlying racial/ethnic differences in psychopathology.

scholarly journals Racial/ethnic differences in HIV testing: An application of the health services utilization model

2018 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
pp. 205031211878341 ◽  
Author(s):  
Celia C Lo ◽  
Ratonia C Runnels ◽  
Tyrone C Cheng
Keyword(s):  
Health Services ◽  
Hiv Testing ◽  
Ethnic Groups ◽  
Ethnic Differences ◽  
Health Services Utilization ◽  
Ethnic Disparities ◽  
Hiv Treatment ◽  
Statistical Testing ◽  
Services Utilization ◽  
Racial Ethnic

This study applying the health services utilization model examined the importance of predisposing, enabling, and need variables to the social mechanisms explaining lifetime HIV testing across racial/ethnic groups. Data for the study were derived from the National Health Interview Survey (collected 2013–2014), our final sample numbering 18,574 adults. Four subsamples reflected race/ethnicity: 13,347 Whites, 2267 Blacks, 2074 Hispanics, and 886 Asians. Logistic regression established respondent odds of ever having received HIV testing. Further statistical testing evaluated race/ethnicity’s potential moderating role in HIV testing. The findings generally support a role for Aday’s predisposing, enabling, and need factors in explaining HIV testing. Across the four subsamples, female gender, older age, and sexual minority status consistently increased lifetime HIV testing. However, we found racial/ethnic differences in HIV testing’s associations with these factors and others. Our study made a beginning in the effort to specify mechanisms leading to HIV testing—and reliable diagnosis—among four racial/ethnic groups. Understanding these mechanisms might multiply opportunities to raise testing rates for all, in turn reducing racial/ethnic disparities in HIV treatment.

The Cost of Science Performance Assessments in Large-Scale Testing Programs

1997 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brian M. Stecher ◽  
Stephen P. Klein
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Sixth Grade ◽  
Performance Assessments ◽  
Individual Student ◽  
Testing Time ◽  
Multiple Choice Tests ◽  
Large Scale Assessment ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Hands On ◽  
The Cost

Estimates of the costs of including hands-on measures of science skills in large-scale assessment programs are drawn from a field trial involving more than 2,000 fifth- and sixth-grade students. These estimates include the resources needed to develop, administer, and score the tasks. They suggest that performance measures are far more expensive than typical multiple-choice tests for an equal amount of testing time, and the cost increases even further for an equally reliable score on an individual student. Because of the complexities of equipment and materials, hands-on measures in science are about three times more expensive than open-ended writing assessments. Alternative approaches to development and administration (such as using less expensive equipment and having the tasks administered by classroom teachers rather than trained Exercise Administrators) could reduce costs by up to 50%, but these practices may reduce the quality of the data obtained. However, including performance assessments in a state’s testing program may have many positive effects, including fostering standards-based educational reform and encouraging more effective teaching methods. The challenge is to determine whether these potential benefits actually exist and if they do, how they can be realized within the budget constraints of most testing programs.

scholarly journals Ethnic differences in excretion of butadiene–DNA adducts by current smokers

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Caitlin C Jokipii Krueger ◽  
S Lani Park ◽  
Guru Madugundu ◽  
Yesha Patel ◽  
Loic Le Marchand ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Confidence Interval ◽  
Ethnic Groups ◽  
Ethnic Differences ◽  
Dna Adducts ◽  
Native Hawaiian ◽  
Cytochrome P450 Monooxygenases ◽  
Japanese American ◽  
P450 Monooxygenases ◽  
Cyp 2E1 ◽  
Racial Ethnic

Abstract 1,3-Butadiene (BD) is a known human carcinogen used in the synthetic polymer industry and also found in cigarette smoke, automobile exhaust and wood burning smoke. BD is metabolically activated by cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (CYP) 2E1 and 2A6 to 3,4-epoxy-1-butene (EB), which can be detoxified by GST-catalyzed glutathione conjugation or hydrolysis. We have previously observed ethnic differences in urinary levels of EB–mercapturic acids in white, Japanese American and Native Hawaiian smokers. In the present study, similar analyses were extended to urinary BD–DNA adducts. BD-induced N7-(1-hydroxy-3-buten-2-yl) guanine (EB–GII) adducts were quantified in urine samples obtained from smokers and non-smokers belonging to three racial/ethnic groups: white, Japanese American and Native Hawaiian. After adjusting for sex, age, nicotine equivalents, body mass index and batch, we found that Japanese American smokers excreted significantly higher amounts of urinary EB–GII than whites [1.45 (95% confidence interval: 1.12–1.87) versus 0.68 (95% confidence interval: 0.52–0.85) fmol/ml urine, P = 4 × 10−5]. Levels of urinary EB–GII in Native Hawaiian smokers were not different from those in whites [0.67 (95% confidence interval: 0.51–0.84) fmol/ml urine, P = 0.938]. There were no racial/ethnic differences in urinary EB–GII adduct levels in non-smokers. Racial/ethnic differences in urinary EB–GII adduct levels in smokers could not be explained by GSTT1 gene deletion or CYP2A6 enzymatic activity. Urinary EB–GII adduct levels in smokers were significantly associated with concentrations of BD metabolite dihyroxybutyl mercapturic acid. Overall, our results reveal that urinary EB–GII adducts in smokers differ across racial/ethnic groups. Future studies are required to understand genetic and epigenetic factors that may be responsible for these differences.

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