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Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric... Oct 2022Perigenual anterior cingulate cortex (pACC) is a neural convergence site for social stress-related risk factors for mental health, including ethnic minority status....
PURPOSE
Perigenual anterior cingulate cortex (pACC) is a neural convergence site for social stress-related risk factors for mental health, including ethnic minority status. Current social status, a strong predictor of mental and somatic health, has been related to gray matter volume in this region, but the effects of social mobility over the lifespan are unknown and may differ in minorities. Recent studies suggest a diminished health return of upward social mobility for ethnic minority individuals, potentially due to sustained stress-associated experiences and subsequent activation of the neural stress response system.
METHODS
To address this issue, we studied an ethnic minority sample with strong upward social mobility. In a cross-sectional design, we examined 64 young adult native German and 76 ethnic minority individuals with comparable sociodemographic attributes using whole-brain structural magnetic resonance imaging.
RESULTS
Results showed a significant group-dependent interaction between perceived upward social mobility and pACC gray matter volume, with a significant negative association in the ethnic minority individuals. Post-hoc analysis showed a significant mediation of the relationship between perceived upward social mobility and pACC volume by perceived chronic stress, a variable that was significantly correlated with perceived discrimination in our ethnic minority group.
CONCLUSION
Our findings extend prior work by pointing to a biological signature of the "allostatic costs" of socioeconomic attainment in socially disadvantaged upwardly mobile individuals in a key neural node implicated in the regulation of stress and negative affect.
Topics: Cross-Sectional Studies; Ethnic and Racial Minorities; Ethnicity; Gyrus Cinguli; Humans; Minority Groups; Social Mobility; Young Adult
PubMed: 34383084
DOI: 10.1007/s00127-021-02163-0 -
Urology Apr 2022To define the current proportion of underrepresented minority (URM) academic urologists in leadership positions. (Observational Study)
Observational Study
OBJECTIVE
To define the current proportion of underrepresented minority (URM) academic urologists in leadership positions.
METHODS
A cross-sectional observational study of leadership positions in active United States Urology Residency Programs in 2020 was conducted. Academic urologists in leadership positions were electronically mailed a survey asking about personal and professional demographics. Self-reported variables including administrative position, race, and ethnicity were collected and analyzed.
RESULTS
Over the study period, 133 urologists completed the survey out of a possible 320 academic urologists for a response rate of 41.6%. Overall, African-Americans represented 9.0%, Hispanics represented 3.8%, and American Indians/Alaska Natives made up 0.8% of leadership roles in the study sample. African-Americans comprised 8.5% (4 of 47) and Hispanics comprised 2.1% (1 of 47) of department chairs. African-Americans made up 7.4% (4 of 54) and Hispanics made up 1.9% (1 of 54) of program directors. The highest proportion of African-Americans in leadership positions was seen in oncology (18.2%), minimally invasive surgery (18.2%), and general urology (10%). The only subspecialties with Hispanics in leadership positions were in andrology/sexual medicine (16.7%) and female urology (15.4%). There were no reported URMs in leadership positions in endourology, neurourology, pediatrics, and reconstructive urology.
CONCLUSIONS
To our knowledge, this study is the first to quantify the representation of URM urologists in academic leadership. There are multiple subspecialties without URMs in leadership positions. This information is vital to understanding the presence and lack of racial representation of the leadership of our field.
Topics: Child; Cross-Sectional Studies; Faculty, Medical; Female; Humans; Leadership; Minority Groups; United States; Urology
PubMed: 33610653
DOI: 10.1016/j.urology.2021.01.055 -
Child Development Jan 2021Many Western industrialized nations have high levels of ethnic diversity but to date there are very few studies which investigate prelinguistic and early language...
Many Western industrialized nations have high levels of ethnic diversity but to date there are very few studies which investigate prelinguistic and early language development in infants from ethnic minority backgrounds. This study tracked the development of infant communicative gestures from 10 to 12 months (n = 59) in three culturally distinct groups in the United Kingdom and measured their relationship, along with maternal utterance frequency and responsiveness, to vocabulary development at 12 and 18 months. No significant differences were found in infant gesture development and maternal responsiveness across the groups, but relationships were identified between gesture, maternal responsiveness, and vocabulary development.
Topics: Adult; Child Development; Cross-Cultural Comparison; Ethnicity; Female; Gestures; Humans; Infant; Language Development; Male; Middle Aged; Minority Groups; United Kingdom; Vocabulary; Young Adult
PubMed: 32757217
DOI: 10.1111/cdev.13406 -
Skeletal Radiology Apr 2022To assess the perception of equity and respect in the workplace and within the SSR. We hypothesized that responses would differ by gender and minorities underrepresented...
PURPOSE
To assess the perception of equity and respect in the workplace and within the SSR. We hypothesized that responses would differ by gender and minorities underrepresented in medicine (URiM) status.
METHODS
An electronic survey was sent to 1,531 SSR members between January 2020 and March 2020 to determine perception of equity and respect. Descriptive statistics were calculated, and analysis of differences in response by gender/minority status was performed using the Fisher's exact test. The study was exempt from IRB approval.
RESULTS
There were 176 responses (11.5%). Most respondents (61.9%) were between 30 and 50 years. Members identified as male (M) in 74.4%, as female (F) in 25.0%, and as "other" in 0.6%. URiM comprised 9.1% of members. Women worked more commonly in academia (p = 0.005), had the perception of unequal opportunities for leadership positions within the institution (p = 0.006), and emphasized the importance of having a mentor of the same gender (p = 0.001). URiM members were less likely to hold a leadership position (p = 0.1, trend), had a perception of unequal opportunities for leadership positions within the institution (p = 0.06, trend), and reported the importance of having a mentor of the same race (p = 0.06, trend). There were no significant differences between gender or URiM status and perception of the SSR to provide an inclusive environment and leadership opportunities (p ≥ 0.39).
CONCLUSION
While survey participation was limited and potentially biased, respondents perceived that women and minorities have fewer opportunities and are treated with lower regard in the workplace compared to male, non-minority colleagues.
Topics: Female; Humans; Leadership; Male; Minority Groups; Perception; Radiology; Respect
PubMed: 34477922
DOI: 10.1007/s00256-021-03901-w -
Advances in Child Development and... 2016Given the noted difficulty of recruiting and retaining ethnic and racial minority populations into various kinds of research endeavors (e.g., basic, prevention,... (Review)
Review
Given the noted difficulty of recruiting and retaining ethnic and racial minority populations into various kinds of research endeavors (e.g., basic, prevention, intervention, health), they remain underrepresented and thus underserved by the research community as compared to other US groups. As developmental scientists, we often ask questions that imply longitudinal research designs, and thus, issues of attentiveness and responsiveness are paramount to the successful engagement (i.e., recruitment) and sustainability (i.e., retention) of our research with ethnic/racial minority samples. The goal of this chapter is to advance an ongoing dialogue about much of the work researchers of ethnic/racial minority child and youth development do in order to effectually recruit and retain youth and families but that is not often obvious to colleagues and readers of the final products. We frame our discussion with three key broadly significant themes: the role of trust, researcher identity and insider/outsider status, and responsibility. Perhaps most importantly, throughout the chapter, we provide concrete examples of the ways in which developmental scientists are transforming potential recruitment and retention challenges into opportunities in their own research programs.
Topics: Adolescent; Adolescent Development; Child; Child Development; Ethics, Research; Ethnicity; Humans; Minority Groups; Patient Selection; Research; Social Identification; Trust
PubMed: 26956073
DOI: 10.1016/bs.acdb.2015.11.002 -
Journal of Neurosurgery Dec 2023Although individuals underrepresented in medicine (URM) make up 33% of the United States population, only 12.6% of medical school graduates identify as URM; the same...
OBJECTIVE
Although individuals underrepresented in medicine (URM) make up 33% of the United States population, only 12.6% of medical school graduates identify as URM; the same percentage of URM students comprises neurosurgery residency applicants. More information is needed to understand how URM students are making specialty decisions and their perceptions of neurosurgery. The authors aimed to evaluate the differences between URM and non-URM medical students and residents in terms of the factors that contribute to specialty decision-making and perceptions of neurosurgery.
METHODS
A survey was administered to all medical students and resident physicians at a single Midwestern institution to assess factors influencing medical student specialty decision-making and perceptions of neurosurgery. Likert scale responses converted to numerical values on a 5-point scale (strongly agree was the high score of 5) were analyzed with the Mann-Whitney U-test. The chi-square test was performed on the binary responses to examine associations between categorical variables. Semistructured interviews were conducted and analyzed using the grounded theory method.
RESULTS
Of 272 respondents, 49.2% were medical students, 51.8% were residents, and 11.0% identified as URM. URM medical students considered research opportunities more than non-URM medical students in specialty decision-making (p = 0.023). When specialty decision-making factors were assessed, URM residents less strongly considered the technical skill required (p = 0.023), their perceived fit in the field (p < 0.001), and seeing people like them in the field (p = 0.010) than their non-URM counterparts when making specialty decisions. Within both medical student and resident respondent cohorts, the authors found no significant differences between URM and non-URM respondents in terms of their specialty decision-making being affected by medical school experiences such as shadowing, elective rotations, family exposure, or having a mentor in the field. URM residents were more concerned about the opportunity to work on health equity issues in neurosurgery than non-URM residents (p = 0.005). The predominant theme that emerged from interviews was the need for more intentional efforts to recruit and retain URM individuals in medicine and specifically neurosurgery.
CONCLUSIONS
URM students may make specialty decisions differently than non-URM students. URM students were more hesitant toward neurosurgery due to their perceived lack of opportunity for health equity work in neurosurgery. These findings further inform optimization of both new and existing initiatives to improve URM student recruitment and retention in neurosurgery.
Topics: Humans; United States; Ethnicity; Students, Medical; Minority Groups; Neurosurgery; Surveys and Questionnaires; Internship and Residency
PubMed: 37209073
DOI: 10.3171/2023.3.JNS23288 -
BMC Public Health Mar 2021Health literacy is essential to self-care, which is an important precedence to improve the quality of healthcare services and a key factor in health. It also plays a...
BACKGROUND
Health literacy is essential to self-care, which is an important precedence to improve the quality of healthcare services and a key factor in health. It also plays a pivotal role in decision-making in various health fields. Therefore, policymakers consider health literacy to be a primary tool to promote community health and enhance the proper use of healthcare services. The present study aimed to assess the health literacy status of the Kurdish population in Kurdistan province, Iran based on the nine constructs of the Iranian health literacy questionnaire (IHLQ) individually and collectively and determine the significant effects of demographic variables on health literacy.
METHODS
This cross-sectional study was conducted on the Iranian adult Kurdish population living in the urban and rural areas of Kurdistan province, willing to participate during April 2017-September 2018. Data were collected using the IHLQ. The sample size was determined to be 980 people, with 490 in the rural areas and 490 in the urban areas. The researchers visited potential participants at their doorstep, asking them to complete the questionnaire. The willing participants were assisted in completing the IHLQ in case they were illiterate; the questions and answers were read by the researchers to the participants, and the responses were recorded.
RESULTS
About 50.4% (n = 494) of the Kurdish population had poor health literacy, while 34.0% (n = 333) had average health literacy, and 15.6% (n = 153) had good health literacy. Meanwhile, 60.2% of the participants obtained poor scores in the construct of health information access, and 74.1% (n = 726) obtained poor scores in the individual empowerment construct. In addition, the analysis of the adjusted model indicated that education level (lowest β = 7.42; P = 0.001) and in male participants (β = - 1.10; P = 0.001) were significantly associated with higher health literacy.
CONCLUSION
According to the results, the investigated Kurdish population mostly had average or low health literacy. Therefore, proper strategies should be adopted to enhance the health literacy of this population and increase their access to health information. Furthermore, effective training should be provided to these individuals (especially vulnerable social groups) to improve their individual capabilities to compensate for poor health literacy.
Topics: Adult; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Health Literacy; Humans; Iran; Male; Minority Groups; Rural Population; Surveys and Questionnaires
PubMed: 33761905
DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-10589-z -
Psychiatric Services (Washington, D.C.) Jul 2000The research and practice literature was examined to determine whether community support programs are responsive to ethnocultural issues and to derive strategies for... (Review)
Review
The research and practice literature was examined to determine whether community support programs are responsive to ethnocultural issues and to derive strategies for developing culturally relevant programming. Great variation exists across cultures in family practices, conceptions of mental illness, stigma attributed to mental illness, and expectations of the provider system. Ethnic minority cultures are typically centered on the family, whereas Western European cultures are characterized as more individualistic and as valuing independence. Research shows that some rehabilitation approaches based on Western models may produce adverse effects when used with patients from ethnic minority groups. Interventions that incorporate family networks and use group modalities are considered culturally congruent. Clients from sociocentric cultures may have strong support networks and display prosocial behaviors that can be tapped in the rehabilitation process. Community support programs should incorporate cultural factors into psychosocial assessments, train staff to conduct ethnographic interviews, and use focus groups to gain an understanding of the cultures of clients they serve.
Topics: Community Mental Health Services; Culture; Humans; Mental Disorders; Minority Groups; Needs Assessment; Program Development; Social Support; United States
PubMed: 10875951
DOI: 10.1176/appi.ps.51.7.879 -
Complementary Therapies in Clinical... Feb 2019African Americans are at increased risk for stress-related disparities. Mindfulness-based interventions are effective in reducing adverse outcomes; yet, racial/ethnic...
BACKGROUND
African Americans are at increased risk for stress-related disparities. Mindfulness-based interventions are effective in reducing adverse outcomes; yet, racial/ethnic minorities are underrepresented in these interventions. Also, the development of culturally-responsive interventions has been mostly non-existent.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Focus group and interview data were acquired following a four-week mindfulness intervention with African American women.
RESULTS
Using Brigg's (2011) mental health utilization model to guide analysis, several recommended culturally-responsive modifications emerged. Recommended modifications internal to the intervention included using African American facilitators, incorporating cultural values, using culturally-familiar terminology, and providing cultural resources. Suggested modifications to the intervention's external factors included offering the intervention within culturally-familiar settings. Individual-level factors to address were religious concerns, perceived benefits, and holistic health goals.
CONCLUSIONS
Themes were used to propose a model toward the creation of a culturally-responsive mindfulness-based interventions to guide culturally-relevant treatment modifications and improve underserved communities' engagement in these interventions.
Topics: Adult; Black or African American; Aged; Female; Focus Groups; Humans; Middle Aged; Mindfulness; Minority Groups; Perception; Stress, Psychological
PubMed: 30712717
DOI: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2018.11.013 -
Journal of Clinical Child and... 2022Few studies have evaluated attachment-based parent interventions for pre-teens and teens, and in particular, differential adolescent trajectories of response. This study...
OBJECTIVE
Few studies have evaluated attachment-based parent interventions for pre-teens and teens, and in particular, differential adolescent trajectories of response. This study examined distinct patterns, and multi-level predictors, of intervention response among youth with serious behavioral and mental health problems whose parents participated in , an attachment- and trauma-informed parent program.
METHOD
Participants included 682 parents ( = 42.83, 86% mothers) and 487 youth ( = 13.95, 53% female, 28.1% ethnic minority) enrolled in a community-based evaluation of . Parents and youth reported on youth externalizing and internalizing problems (EXT and INT) at six time points from baseline through 18-months post-intervention. Demographic and youth and family level predictors were assessed at baseline.
RESULTS
Growth mixture modeling revealed three distinct trajectory classes in both the parent and youth models based on different patterns of co-occurring EXT and INT and degree of improvement over time. Youth with severe EXT showed the largest and fastest improvement, and, interestingly, were characterized by higher callous-unemotional traits and risk-taking at program entry. Youth with comorbid EXT/INT demonstrated a partial or moderate response to intervention in the parent and youth model, respectively, and were characterized by more attachment anxiety at baseline. Most youth showed relatively moderate/low levels of EXT/INT at baseline which gradually improved. Caregiver strain also predicted trajectory classes.
CONCLUSIONS
These results have significance for tailoring and personalizing interventions for high-risk youth and provide new understanding regarding the profiles of subgroups of youth who show different responses to an attachment-based parent intervention.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Anxiety; Child; Conduct Disorder; Ethnicity; Female; Humans; Male; Minority Groups; Parents
PubMed: 34042545
DOI: 10.1080/15374416.2021.1923022