Search Results (50)

With the need to ensure equitable and inclusive computer science (CS) education for K-12 students, much effort has been devoted to promoting secondary CS teachers’ practices and pedagogies. However, there is a lack of focus on elementary teachers’ experiences, especially those of teachers of color. This study stands at the intersections of Black/African American teachers teaching at an elementary school with a majority of historically underrepresented and economically disadvantaged students (Black/African Americans and Hispanic/Latinx). Using a basic qualitative approach with constant comparative analysis, this study revealed important insights regarding the professional growth manifested by six teachers of color over the course of computer science professional development and classroom implementation. Data analysis revealed five main themes reflecting the teachers’ growth: (1) Teachers reported positive outcomes including improved understanding, confidence, and intentions regarding CS integration as a result of attending PD; (2) Teachers demonstrated enhanced abilities to use a variety of tools and resources in CS teaching after PD; (3) Teachers discussed various pedagogies, including culturally and personally responsive pedagogical practices, and racial awareness to promote inclusive instruction in the classroom and used strategies to promote personal relevance more than the collective cultural values or beliefs in CS teaching specifically; (4) Teachers reported having ongoing reflections on how they can implement successful CS-integrated instruction with their enhanced knowledge and beliefs; (5) Positive student outcomes were both reported by the teachers and observed by the researchers as a result of teachers’ experimentation, which gave the teachers more confidence to enact CS teaching. Areas for improvement were also identified. This paper discussed the important implementations of fostering professional growth in teachers of color for broadening minoritized students’ participation in computing. Full article

The National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities Research Framework (NIMHD-RF) provides a multidimensional structure to examine health disparities across domains and levels of influence. While influential, its current Behavioral Domain centers on observable behaviors and underrepresents key psychological factors and determinants that shape health outcomes among minoritized populations. This gap limits the framework’s capacity to account for complex factors such as internalized stigma, identity-related stress, and cultural processes that significantly contribute to mental health disparities. In this viewpoint, we propose an adaptation of the Behavioral Domain into a Psychological/Behavioral Domain to better reflect the interconnected psychological, biological, sociocultural, and environmental factors influencing health. The revised domain incorporates psychological vulnerabilities, coping strategies, and identity-based stressors across all levels of influence, from individual to societal, and acknowledges macro-level processes such as structural stigma and inequitable policies. This reframing emphasizes that behaviors are shaped by psychological experiences and systemic inequities, not merely individual choice. By explicitly integrating psychological factors and determinants, the framework becomes more robust in guiding culturally responsive, equity-driven research and interventions. This adaptation aims to enhance the framework’s utility in mental health disparities research and to support efforts to achieve health equity for historically underserved populations. Full article

Historically, the attribution of biology to race has shaped societies and manifested in innumerable disparities and irreparable harm, especially in communities of color. From the earliest days of the United States to the present day, the dehumanization and “othering” of African Americans have caused deep racial inequities that have been perpetuated and embedded in American culture. The early months of the COVID-19 pandemic underscored the deep racial inequalities in the US, especially in health outcomes for communities of color. Structural racism has played a critical role in exacerbating disparities, with Black, Hispanic, Latinx, and Indigenous populations experiencing higher rates of severe disease and mortality. The interconnectedness of racism with the social determinants of health, concomitant with higher rates of chronic illnesses like diabetes and hypertension, increases vulnerability to severe COVID-19. Health disparities are compounded by implicit biases in the medical field, a lack of diversity among healthcare providers, and historical medical mistrust among marginalized groups. Underrepresentation in the medical field, biomedical sciences, and academia hinders efforts to address health disparities effectively. This essay seeks to raise awareness of how the concepts of race and racism have resulted in racial hierarchies that perpetuate systems of oppression and impede efforts toward racial and health equity. Specifically, this essay covers time periods in American history, including slavery, the Jim Crow Era, the Civil Rights Movement, and the COVID-19 pandemic, and discusses how addressing race and racism and the achievement of racial health equity require targeted efforts to increase diversity in healthcare and biomedical fields, improve cultural competence, and foster trust between medical professionals and communities of color. Full article

Introduction: Demographic disparities in musculoskeletal (MSK) health exist in the US. Racial representation in advertising has been shown to influence consumer behavior and buying patterns. Direct-to-consumer advertising that does not target a racially diverse audience may exacerbate MSK disparities by failing to reach minorities. We explore the hypothesis that minorities are underrepresented in direct-to-consumer MSK advertisements in this cross-sectional analysis. Methods: Using magazines from four databases, eight health-related magazine types were selected and advertisement categories were established. Racial distribution was analyzed using Pearson’s Chi-squared and Chi-squared tests. Fisher’s Exact test was used when >20% of cells had expected frequencies <5. Significance was set at α = 0.05. Results: Of the advertisements featuring at least one model, 68.5% featured a white-presenting model, followed by 17.6% with a black model. Further, 92.7% of advertisements were monoethnic or monoracial with an overrepresentation of white models (p < 0.001). Black models were overrepresented as athletes (p < 0.001) and underrepresented in advertisements for pain relief (p < 0.001). Hispanic/Latinx and Asian models were underrepresented across all advertisement categories (p < 0.001). Discussion: The causes of musculoskeletal health disparities are multifactorial. One potential influence is adjacent industries such as MSK health-related advertisements. When controlling for US population demographics, white models were overrepresented and minority race models were underrepresented, demonstrating racioethnic disparities in MSK advertising. Improving the racial and ethnic diversity of models within MSK advertisements may serve to improve patient perceptions of orthopaedic products and services and improve MSK disparities. Full article

Background/Objectives: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are needed to evaluate the impact of food is medicine (FIM) programs, such as medically tailored groceries (MTGs) to treat hypertension among diverse populations. Partnerships between academic centers’ student-run organizations (SROs) and community-based organizations (CBOs) offer critical safety nets for historically underserved groups, positioning these organizations to effectively undertake FIM programs among populations disproportionately affected by hypertension. We conducted an unblinded pilot RCT whose objectives were to assess the feasibility and acceptability of an SRO-coordinated, CBO-partnered MTGs intervention targeting blood pressure (BP) and food insecurity (FI) in underserved groups. Methods: Adult Black/African American and Hispanic/Latinx patients in Durham, North Carolina, where essential hypertension and FI were randomized (parallel arm, computerized 1:1 ratio) to 12 weeks of home-delivered, hypertension-focused MTGs plus in-person nutrition education sessions with compensation (intervention) versus data collection sessions with compensation (control). We offered transportation, childcare, and home visits to facilitate session attendance. The primary outcomes were the eligibility, enrollment, and retention rates (feasibility), and the survey feedback from the participants and CBO partners (acceptability). The secondary outcomes included the changes in the mean BP and median FI score with associated 95% confidence intervals. Results: Medical record screening identified 1577 eligible participants. Of the 94 reached to confirm eligibility, 77 met the enrollment criteria, and 50 were randomized (82% post-screen eligibility, 65% enrollment). A conventional content analysis of 15 participant surveys and CBO partner feedback affirmed the acceptability, noting intervention components that enhanced the retention (e.g., home delivery, transportation support, home visits). Pre–post analyses of secondary outcomes for 13/25 intervention and 15/25 control participants completing ≥2 sessions ≥2 months apart were performed. The intervention was associated with an average change in systolic BP of −14.2 mmHg (−27.5, −4.5) versus −3.5 mmHg (−11.7, 5.9) in the control group. The FI scores improved by −2 (−2.2, −0.5) in the intervention group and −1 (−1.3, −0.2) in the control group. No adverse events were reported. Conclusions: SRO-CBO partnerships could be feasible and acceptable avenues for conducting FIM trials among underserved populations. This multi-component FIM approach enhanced the study equity by addressing the participants’ disease-related social needs and warrants expansion into a powered RCT. Full article

Background/Objectives: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and related dementias (ADRD) disproportionately impact racial and ethnic minorities. Contributing biological factors that explain this disparity have been elusive. Moreover, non-invasive biomarkers for early detection of AD are needed. Endothelin-1 (ET-1), a vasoconstrictive factor linked to cerebral vascular disease pathology and neuronal injury, could provide insights to better understand racial disparities in AD. As a potent vasoconstrictive peptide that regulates contractions in smooth muscle, endothelial cells, and pericytes, ET-1 may result in cerebral vascular constriction, leading to cerebral hypoperfusion; over time, this may result in neuronal injury, contributing to the pathology of AD. The role of the ET-1 system as a driver of ethnic disparities in AD requires further investigation. In the United States (U.S.), ET-1 dysregulation in Hispanic/Latinx (H/L) ethnic populations has largely been unexplored. Genetics linking ET-1 dysregulation and racial disparities in AD also require further investigation. In this study, we examined the role of the ET-1 protein in human plasma as a potential biomarker with predictive value for correlating with the development of AD by age, race, and sex. Methods: We examined ET-1 protein levels using quantitative mass spectrometry in AA and NHW patients with AD, along with controls. Results: A partial correlation between age at draw and ET-1, stratified by race and sex, while controlling for AD status, was significant for female AAs (r = 0.385, p = 0.016). When the data were not stratified but controlled for AD status, the partial correlation between age at draw and ET-1 was not significant (r = 0.108, p = 0.259). Conclusions: Based on the small number of plasma specimens and no plasma specimens from H/L individuals with AD, we conclude that ET-1 was clearly not a significant factor in predicting AD in this study and will require a larger scale study for validation. Full article

Objective: COVID-19 has a lasting impact on mental health, particularly within the Hispanic/Latinx communities. This paper empirically investigates the post-COVID-19 presence and severities of depression, one of the most common mental health disorders, among adults in a predominantly U.S.-born Hispanic/Latinx community in South Texas composed primarily of Mexican Americans. Methods: Multiple statistic regression models were applied to data from 515 adults in Nueces County who completed all questions in a survey from convenience sampling between June 2022 and May 2023. Depression was assessed using both standard PHQ-2 and PHQ-9 measurements. Results: Of the 515 participants, 377 (64.5%) were Hispanic, and 441 (85.6%) had a high school education or higher, reflecting the county’s demographics. About half of the participants (47%) reported mild/moderate to severe depression. The regression model estimation results reveal that female participants, those not in full-time employment, and individuals with disabilities were more likely to feel depressed after COVID-19. Middle-aged adults demonstrated greater resilience to depression compared to other age groups. Notably, non-Hispanic participants in the study reported higher levels of depression compared to their Hispanic counterparts. Additionally, COVID-19-related experiences, such as testing positive for the virus, being hospitalized, or having a history of depression before COVID-19, were associated with higher levels of reported depression. Conclusions: COVID-19 has significantly impacted the mental health of this predominantly U.S.-born Hispanic/Latinx community. These findings can assist healthcare providers and policymakers in developing targeted strategies to tailor interventions aimed at enhancing mental health well-being, reducing disparities, and fostering overall improvement within the Hispanic/Latinx community. Full article

As the Latinx student population grows in the United States, more public research-intensive institutions are becoming Hispanic-Serving Research Institutions (HSRIs). This exploratory qualitative study examines the experiences of Latinx students at an HSRI, particularly in STEM fields where they face underrepresentation and are pushed out. The objectives for this study were two-fold: (1) investigate the institutional factors contributing to Latinx student pushout in STEM at an HSRI and (2) develop recommendations for enhancing Latinx student retention in STEM at HSRIs. Through an investigation at a public four-year HSRI in California, three key themes emerged regarding institutional factors contributing to STEM pushout: (1) a disconnect in theory-based STEM courses, (2) unsupportive and busy research-focused environments, and (3) the psychological toll of a stripped STEM identity. The authors offer recommendations for targeted interventions to genuinely “serve” Latinx students in STEM fields at HSRIs. Full article

The underrepresentation of diverse communities in STEM disciplines, particularly in computer science, remains a significant challenge. This study investigates the experiences of Latinx students at Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) within computer science departments that are actively working to increase Latinx graduation rates. Utilizing data from ethnographic case studies, we conduct a thematic analysis through the lenses of Yosso’s community cultural wealth model and Rendón’s validation model to examine the pivotal role families play in fostering the success of Latinx students in computer science at HSIs. Our findings reveal that families provide essential encouragement, serve as a source of motivation to combat isolation, and celebrate students’ achievements in their pursuit of computer science careers. Recognizing the critical contributions of familial support is essential for enhancing the success of Latinx students in one of the most underrepresented fields within STEM. These insights are crucial for developing strategies that can effectively promote diversity and inclusion in computer science. Full article

Through analysis of semi-structured interviews of 30 Latinx college students, we examined how Latinx students experience belonging, acceptance, and affirmations at a Hispanic-Serving Research Institution (HSRI) in California. Drawing from the theoretical perspectives of racial micro-affirmations, we uncovered two major themes: the importance of close friendships and the impact that ethnic studies courses have on ethnoracial identity development. This study contributes to the ongoing discussion of the on-campus experiences of underrepresented students as well as how to best serve and affirm them at HSRIs. Full article

Background: Black and white women describe their chronic vulvar pain (CVVP) symptoms differently, indicating a patient–provider communication deficit. This may contribute to the diagnostic delay commonly reported by patients with CVVP and/or pelvic pain. Methods: A pilot study demonstrated CVVP terminology differences between women of color and white women. The present study (N = 488) includes a sample of predominantly cisgender women who identified their race/ethnicity as Black, Hispanic/Latinx, Native American/American Indian, and/or Asian. Participants reported how they describe their CVVP, their healthcare experiences, and characteristics of their diagnostic journey. Results: Descriptions of CVVP were not uniform. Instead, there was great variability in how women described their pain across racial/ethnic identities and pain contexts (e.g., sexual activity, menstrual product use, and pelvic exam). Some pain experiences and descriptors were associated with healthcare outcomes related to diagnostic delay. Conclusions: This study sheds light on the pain communication experiences of women of color with CVVP, an understudied population within the broader CVVP literature. By resisting white and non-white comparative methodologies, this study demonstrates the applicability of intersectionality principles to the study of CVVP and contributes to the existing literature regarding pain communication, race, and ethnicity. Full article

The question of how we measure, categorise, and represent ethnicity poses a growing challenge for identifying and addressing ethnic inequalities. Conceptual critiques and qualitative studies highlight the complexities and challenges of measuring ethnicity, yet there remains a lack of quantitative studies investigating the implications of these complexities for inequalities research. This paper addresses this gap by scrutinizing methodological processes and analysing the implications of measurement and categorisation in the Crime Survey for England and Wales (CSEW), critiquing the UK’s standardised measurement of ethnicity in national survey data and government statistics. Based on our comparative quantitative analysis of standardised ethnicity categories and regional origins and our evaluation of the CSEW and census’ methodologies, we propose an alternative categorisation of ethnicity, focusing on the ‘Mixed’, ‘Asian’, and ‘Latinx/Hispanic’ ethnic groups. Using adjusted crosstabulations and logistic regression models, we found variations in ethnic patterns of violence based on standardised measures and our alternative recategorisation, particularly relating to the distinction between ‘Asian’ sub-groups, the recategorisation of ‘Mixed’ ethnicities, and the inclusion of ‘Latinx/Hispanic’ as a distinctive ethnic group. Our findings reveal valuable insights into the implications of ethnic categorisation for understanding violence inequalities, with significant implications for further policy and research areas. Full article

Pathogenic germline variants (PGVs) may be under-detected as causative etiologies in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The prevalence of PGVs has been reported between 1 and 15% of patients, depending on the patient population. The rate within Hispanic/Latinx populations remains unknown. We retrospectively analyzed the genomic results (Guardant360, Redwood City, CA, USA) of 878 patients with advanced or metastatic NSCLC at five centers in South Florida, USA, from 2019 to 2022 to analyze the rate of incidental PGVs (iPGVs) identified via circulating cell-free tumor DNA (ctDNA). We then stratified the results by tumor histology, age, gender, race, ethnicity, genetic pathway, and co-mutations. Twenty-one iPGVs were identified (21/878 = 2.4%). Among the 21 iPGVs identified, 14 patients were female (66.7%) and 7 were male (33.3%), with a median age of 67 years and tobacco history of 2.5 pack-years. In total, 52.4% of patients identified as Hispanic/Latinx (n = 11) of any race; 19.0% as Ashkenazi Jewish (n = 4), 9.5% as non-Hispanic/Latinx black (n = 2), and 19.0% as non-Hispanic/Latinx white (n = 4). iPGVs in the homologous recombination repair pathway were solely expressed in this cohort (10 ATM, 8 BRCA2, and 3 BRCA1). In total, 76% (16/21) of patients with iPGVs co-expressed somatic alterations, with 56% (9/16) demonstrating alterations in targetable genes. Overall, our real-world findings offer a point prevalence of iPGVs in patients with NSCLC of diverse populations, such as patients who report Hispanic/Latinx ethnicity. Full article

Smoking causes one in three cancer deaths and may worsen COVID-19 outcomes. Telehealth tobacco cessation treatment is offered as a covered benefit for patients at the Stanford Cancer Center. We examined predictors of engagement during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data were abstracted from the Electronic Health Record between 3/17/20 (start of pandemic shelter-in-place) and 9/20/22, including patient tobacco use, demographics, and engagement in cessation treatment. Importance of quitting tobacco was obtained for a subset (53%). During the first 2.5 years of the pandemic, 2595 patients were identified as recently using tobacco, and 1571 patients were contacted (61%). Of the 1313 patients still using tobacco (40% women, mean age 59, 66% White, 13% Hispanic), 448 (34%) enrolled in treatment. Patient engagement was greater in pandemic year 1 (42%) than in year 2 (28%) and year 3 (19%). Women (41%) engaged more than men (30%). Patients aged 36–45 (39%), 46–55 (43%), 56–65 (37%), and 66–75 (33%) engaged more than patients aged 18–35 (18%) and >75 (21%). Hispanic/Latinx patients (42%) engaged more than non-Hispanic/Latinx patients (33%). Engagement was not statistically significantly related to patient race. Perceived importance of quitting tobacco was significantly lower in pandemic year 1 than year 2 or 3. Nearly one in three cancer patients engaged in telehealth cessation treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic. Engagement was greater earlier in the pandemic, among women, Hispanic/Latinx individuals, and patients aged 36 to 75. Sheltering-in-place, rather than greater perceived risk, may have facilitated patient engagement in tobacco cessation treatment. Full article

Understanding and quantifying the compounding effects of climate change, displacement and socio-vulnerability is crucial for the development and implementation of timely mitigation and adaptation policies. Here, we present a new Climate Displacement and Socio-Vulnerability (CDSV) score over NYC that accounts for several climate hazards (coastal and riverine flooding, heatwaves, hurricanes and winter weather), displacement and social vulnerability metrics with the ultimate goal of identifying those areas where risk of the combination of the three factors is the highest (e.g., hotspots due to compounding effects). To our knowledge, this is the first time that multiple climate hazards have been studied in conjunction with displacement and socio-vulnerability for NYC. We discuss those areas that are exposed to high CDSV values for the different hazards, where multiple hazards show overlapping high values of CDSV and analyze how socio-demographic characteristics have changed over the past two decades. We find that Black and Latin/Hispanic people are exposed to the compounding effects of multiple hazards, especially in areas located in the south Bronx, south Brooklyn and Queens, with maximum CDSV scores reaching values close to ~80 over a scale of 100, and with the increased exposure of Black, Latinx/Hispanix and Asians since the beginning of the century. We find that, except for the case of coastal flooding, the percentage of White people living in areas characterized by CDSV values decreases as CDSV scores increase where the percentage of Black people and Latin/Hispanic people increases, with the latter showing the strongest correlation. We also find a statistically significant relationship between the number of people with asthma and diabetes and the CDSV score in the case of heatwaves. Full article