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Introduction: Populations at risk for HIV infection—including gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBM) and transgender/gender diverse people (TGD)—are at disproportionate risk for anal cancer. Most anal cancers are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) and are preventable with HPV vaccination and screening. Engaging at-risk populations who are already receiving HIV preventive care (eg, pre-exposure prophylaxis [PrEP]) may be an effective implementation strategy. The purpose of this study was to (1) identify the information, motivation, and behavioral skills that influence decisions about anal cancer prevention and to (2) describe the healthcare utilization patterns among PrEP users that impact their engagement in anal cancer prevention. Methods: Using purposive sampling in the United States, we ensured diverse representation among PrEP users aged 18 to 45 across gender and ethnoracial identities. Recruitment sources included primary healthcare clinics, social media, and community venues. Semi-structured interviews were recorded, transcribed, and coded using structural, pattern, and theoretical approaches. Results: Participants (N = 36) were mostly cisgender gay ethnoracial minority men. We identified 29 unique codes that were nested within 3 categories: individual decision-making, healthcare utilization patterns, and healthcare system influences. Participants commonly lacked essential information about HPV and anal cancer, often holding misconceptions about risks and prevention. Motivation for anal cancer prevention was driven by healthcare interactions and perceived risks, while fragmented healthcare and reliance on telemedicine were potential barriers. Many participants used telehealth services to access PrEP, described it as convenience, cost-effective, and liked the lack of provider interaction. Some participants used telehealth for PrEP and did not have a primary care provider. The importance of access to LGBTQ+-affirmative healthcare services was highlighted. Conclusions: Integrating patient education and prevention services into ongoing PrEP management can enhance the reach and equity of anal cancer prevention. Our model underscores critical areas of misinformation, necessary systems-level changes, and unmet needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Suicide is a leading cause of death among Black emerging adults. The concurrent effect of the COVID-19 pandemic and racial discrimination were projected to exacerbate suicide vulnerability for Black Americans. The purpose of the present study was to utilize a risk-resilience model to examine the effects of racial discrimination and COVID-related stress on suicide risk for Black emerging adults, as well as the moderating effect of three central components of radical healing: critical consciousness, resilience, and cultural authenticity. Study participants included 521 Black emerging adults between the ages of 18 and 29 (51.6% male; Mage = 24.6, SD = 2.6) who completed measures evaluating symptoms of racial discrimination, COVID-related stress, suicide risk, and psychological well-being. After controlling for age, gender, socioeconomic status, and general stress, structural equation modeling analyses revealed unique and interactive effects of racial discrimination, COVID-related stress, and culturally relevant protective factors on suicide risk for Black emerging adults. These findings provide preliminary insight into novel risk and protective factors that influence suicide risk for Black emerging adults. Public Significance Statement: Overall, findings suggest that the synergistic effects of COVID-related stress and racial discrimination play a role in suicide vulnerability for Black emerging adults. The present study's contributions are important in the context of providing empirical evidence for the role of social marginalization and culturally relevant buffers in suicide risk for Black Americans, highlighting the need for culturally informed models of suicide risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined how ethnic–racial identity (ERI) profiles moderate the relationship between racial discrimination and mental health among Black American adults. Black American adults (n = 247) recruited from a community-based sample completed self-report measures of ERI, racial discrimination, depression, psychological distress, and emotional well-being. Latent profile analysis (LPA) identified four distinct ERI profiles, corresponding to the ERI status theorized in prior research—Diffusion, Moratorium, and Achievement—and a fourth profile, which corresponded to an ERI status for High Achievement. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses indicated that greater racial discrimination was significantly related to worse mental health for all outcomes and that having an ERI profile of High Achievement was significantly associated with lower depression. Moderation analysis indicated that the ERI profile for Achievement protected against depression and psychological distress in the context of high racial discrimination. Public Significance Statement: This study investigated the ability of exploration and commitment to one's ethnic–racial background to protect against the influence of racial discrimination on Black Americans' mental health. Four distinct ethnic–racial identity profiles were found and were differentiated by the extent to which individuals had explored the meaning of and were committed to their ethnic–racial background. Importantly, the profile corresponding to high exploration and high commitment—Achievement—was associated with lower depression and psychological distress when Black Americans reported experiencing greater racial discrimination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We used NVivo for inductive semantic coding of 619 Black caregivers' qualitative responses from the RAPID Survey regarding about they were coping with the challenges of COVID-19. Kinship networks and religion/spirituality were the two most frequently mentioned coping strategies followed by government financial support (e.g. stimulus money, food stamps), workplace flexibility (e.g. working from home or taking time off), engaging in COVID-related health behaviors (e.g. social distancing), and maintaining an optimistic outlook despite the challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite not displaying higher overall rates of substance use compared to White Americans, the social consequences of substance use disorders for Black Americans, particularly among Black American men, are more damaging. Furthermore, recent data suggest an uptick in substance use-related deaths among Black Americans, raising serious concerns about a growing health disparity that warrants the need for studies to identify factors associated with prevention. For decades, Black cultural theorists have argued that Afrocentric norms are important buffers against maladaptive behaviors in Black Americans, but the association in the context of substance use is still an emerging area. The present study investigated the associations between Afrocentric norms, Afrocentric self-regard, internalized negative stereotypes, and substance use attitudes and behaviors among Black young adults. Self-report questionnaires were administered to measure internalized negative stereotypes, Afrocentric norms, Afrocentric self-regard, substance use attitudes, and substance use from a sample of Black young adults (N = 619). Favorable attitudes toward substance use were found to be positively associated with internalized negative stereotypes but were inversely associated with Afrocentric norms and Afrocentric self-regard. Similarly, substance use reports within the past 30 days were inversely associated with Afrocentric norms, but the relationship to cannabis use was non-significant. Gender differences between Black men and women were also found. Implications for social work are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hallie Q. Brown Community Center (the Center) began as a settlement house in 1929. It has and continues to serve the predominately Black neighborhood, commonly known as Rondo, in Saint Paul, MN. I am the first professional archivist hired by the Center and, as such, I was the first to establish workflows, implement standards, and provide easy access to the Center's archival collections. Yet, I was trained to be an archivist by white people at predominately white institutions and have learned over time that not all the frameworks, ideas, and expectations impressed upon me apply in community archives which serve Black people. In this paper I will discuss the underappreciated social and emotional labors involved in being a Black woman in charge of a community archive, which serves a historically Black community, and was initially led by Black women. I will explore aspects of internal colonialism, catalog description, and efforts in community collaboration and outreach as it relates to collections entrusted to the Hallie Q. Brown Community Archives (HQBCA). This paper will offer a vignette into the journey of a professional serving the majority as a minority in collections care, to serving an underrepresented community as a fellow member of a marginalized group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To evaluate the relationships between perceived neighborhood racial composition (PNRC), psychosocial risks and resources, and depressive symptoms among young (ages 22-35), middle-aged (ages 36-49), and older (ages 50+) Black Americans. Methods: Full sample and age-stratified linear regression models estimated the PNRC-depressive symptoms association and the extent to which it persisted after accounting for psychosocial risks (i.e., neighborhood disorder, other social stressors) and resources (i.e., mastery, social support, racial identity) among 627 Black Americans in the Nashville Stress and Health Study. Results: Living in racially integrated and predominately White neighborhoods was associated with elevated depressive symptoms. While psychosocial risks and resources explained a substantial portion of these associations, patterns varied across age groups. Discussion: PNRC impacts depressive symptoms among Black Americans by shaping psychosocial risks and resources. Findings underscore interconnections between contextual and psychosocial factors, as well as the distinct mental health significance of these processes across stages of adulthood.

Background: Opioid overdoses have continued to increase at higher rates among Black Americans compared to people from other racial groups. Despite demonstrated effectiveness of MOUD in reducing risk of opioid overdose, Black Americans face decreased access to and uptake of MOUD. The current study aimed to examine the knowledge, perceptions, and experiences with MOUD among a sample of Black adults who use prescription opioids nonmedically in order to inform tailored efforts to improve MOUD uptake. Methods: Data were derived from a larger study assessing cultural and structural influences on drug use and drug treatment among people who use prescription opioids nonmedically. Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with 34 Black men and women across four generational cohorts: born 1955-1969; 1970-1979; 1980-1994; and 1995-2001. Participant responses were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: Nearly half of participants (44.1%) reported no knowledge or experience with MOUD. Among participants who had any knowledge about MOUD, four major themes regarding their perceptions emerged: MOUD Helps with Recovery; Not Needed for Level of Drug Use; Side Effects and Withdrawal; Equivalence with Illicit Drug Use. The majority reported negative perceptions of MOUD (52.6%), and the youngest cohort (born 1995-2001) had a higher proportion of negative perceptions (80%) relative to other age cohorts (born 1980-1994: 50%; 1970-1979: 75%; 1955-1969: 16.6%). Discussion: Findings indicate a significant knowledge gap and clear points of intervention for improving MOUD uptake. Interventions to improve communication of health information in ways that are culturally relevant and tailored by age group can be used in conjunction with efforts to improve MOUD access among Black individuals who use opioids nonmedically. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to cross-validate the Afrocentric Self-Regard Scale (ASRS), which was previously developed and assessed in a sample of Black American adolescents. However, this study was conducted with a representative sample of 619 emerging Black adults aged 18–29 years. Participants completed a survey that included the ASRS and measured African heritage connections, Afro-cultural orientation norms, internalized negative stereotypes, career aspirations, anxiety, and depression. A confirmatory factor analysis confirmed that all the items contributed to the measurement of self-regard as a single construct and showed a good fit. The ASRS showed excellent internal reliability. Construct validity was supported via positive correlations with African heritage connections and Afro-cultural orientation norms. Discriminant validity had a weak, negative correlation with internalized negative stereotypes. Nomological validity was supported via positive correlations with flourishing and career aspirations and negative correlations with depression and anxiety. The ASRS was a reliable and valid measure of Afrocentric self-regard in emerging Black American adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to investigate the associations between multilevel racism and gestational age at birth among nulliparous women. We conducted a secondary analysis of data of the nuMoM2b Study (2010–2013) to examine the associations between individual- and structural-level experiences of racism and discrimination and gestational age at birth among nulliparous women (n = 9148) at eight sites across the U.S. Measures included the individual Experiences of Discrimination (EOD) scale and the Index of Concentration at the Extremes (ICE) to measure structural racism. After adjustment, we observed a significant individual and structural racism interaction on gestational length (p = 0.012). In subgroup analyses, we found that among those with high EOD scores, women who were from households concentrated in the more privileged group had significantly longer gestations (β = 1.27, 95% CI: 0.48, 2.06). Women who reported higher EOD scores and more economic privilege had longer gestations, demonstrating the moderating effect of ICE as a measure of structural racism. In conclusion, ICE may represent a modifiable factor in the prevention of adverse birth outcomes in nulliparas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This qualitative study investigated the psychological impact of the dual pandemics of COVID‐19 and anti‐Black violence on client‐facing social workers who identify as Black, the coping strategies they used in response to the pandemic, and the ways in which these individuals' racial and cultural identities impacted their experiences. Such individuals are at unique risk for traumatic stress and burnout. This risk was compounded by the traumatic nature of the dual pandemics and the ways in which they forced confrontation with Yalom's existential givens of human existence: death, isolation, meaninglessness, and freedom and responsibility. Eight client‐facing social workers who identified as Black and lived in the United States were interviewed using a 19‐item semistructured protocol created by the researchers that addressed the research questions. Data were analyzed using Braun and Clarke's thematic analysis methodology. Five themes were constructed: (1) Changes in treatment due to COVID‐19, (2) Emotional toll due to the pandemic, (3) Experiences related to being Black, (4) Beneficial experiences, and (5) Coping with COVID‐19 and ongoing racism. Participants' experiences demonstrated the compounded psychological risk factors they faced as social workers, Black Americans, and survivors of the pandemic, and the ways in which they confronted existential concerns. Participants demonstrated resilience by making new meanings out of their experiences and implied their successful posttraumatic growth. This study demonstrated the need for greater support of Black social workers in social work practice and policy to ease the compounded stressors they face as a result of the pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We conducted a narrative literature review to examine contributing factors of disparities in tobacco usage and outcomes affecting Black Americans. We propose potential solutions that can be used to effectively address these disparities. We identified historical factors; socioeconomic factors; targeted marketing/advertising; the influence of racism/discrimination; neighborhood socioeconomic disadvantage; and mass incarceration. We call for more thorough examinations of these factors as a key element of tobacco-focused research and interventions to eliminate the disproportionate burdens faced by Black Americans. We advocate for greater emphases on the impacts of personal and structural racism on tobacco usage and outcomes affecting Black Americans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the landscape of gentrification and Black residential displacement within the West Philadelphia Promise Zone (WPPZ). Our intergenerational community-driven participatory action research team conducted a comparative longitudinal spatial analysis between Census data from 2008 to 2012 and 2013 to 2017 investigating variables of both gentrification and displacement including changes in population, racial demographics, per capita income, and housing costs and value. Our findings demonstrate that targeted block groups within the WPPZ are exhibiting indicators of displacement; however, they are not progressing at the same rate. We found that Black residents are impacted by the neighborhood changes at the highest rates and are being displaced from the north and the south, being squeezed to the middle resulting in a racialized pattern of gentrification that we deem a sandwich effect. Recommendations to respond to the displacement of Black residents in the WPPZ and other university-adjacent urban communities are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The police are more likely to use force on Black individuals than people of any other race or ethnicity (Edwards et al., 2019). One in four fatal police encounters involves a person with serious mental illness (SMI; Fuller et al., 2015). Historic and ongoing violent interactions with the police have resulted in many Black individuals mistrusting the police (e.g., Fryer, 2019). This likely leads to a hesitancy to enlist police assistance, even for psychiatric emergencies. Using hypothetical scenarios and a sample of 233 Black adults in the United States, this study examined (a) predictors of seeking emergency psychiatric services, particularly those including the police, (b) the impact of gravity/threat of behavior (i.e., life-threatening vs. non-life-threatening) on seeking police assistance, and (c) potentially modifiable factors to improve comfort with emergency psychiatric services. Regression analyses supported the hypothesis that the participants would be more likely to seek police assistance when they had a more favorable perception of police. Mixed methods results identified several factors that may improve Black individuals' comfort with seeking emergency psychiatric services (e.g., inclusion of mental health professionals and religious/spiritual de-escalation, exclusion of police officers). Contrary to expectations, greater mental health stigma was related to a higher likelihood of seeking police assistance. Additional results and study implications are discussed. Public Significance Statement: This study suggests that historical and ongoing injustices toward Black Americans may produce discomfort in seeking emergency psychiatric assistance, especially when such responses involve the police. As clinicians, one important role in working with Black Americans may include culturally sensitive preventive planning regarding how to approach emergency psychiatric situations, if they arise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the relationship between firearm violence exposure and functional health among Black adults in the United States (US). We examined associations between different forms of firearm violence exposure (direct, indirect, and community) and functional health with particular attention to differences across sex groups. We used survey data from a nationally representative sample of 3015 Black adult Americans to analyze associations between types of firearm violence exposure and four aspects of functional disability including: the ability to concentrate, walk/use stairs, dress/bathe, and run errands among males and females. The findings indicate notable disparities in exposure and health outcomes based on the exposure type and cumulative exposure to violence. Among males, functional disability was associated most closely with community violence exposure, while direct threats of firearm violence were most consequential for functional health among females. High cumulative exposure to firearm violence was linked to significant risks to functional health, particularly among females. The results shed light on sex differences in the repercussions of firearm violence exposure and emphasize its implications for daily functioning and health. This study contributes to the understanding of the multifaceted impacts of firearm violence on functional well-being and highlights the need for inclusive and culturally sensitive healing approaches based in community settings. There is a critical need for heightened awareness and strategies to enhance the well-being of those disproportionately affected by firearm violence in the US. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic, profoundly incapacitating disease predominantly affecting the apocrine gland-rich areas of the human body. Although it affects 0.05% to 4% of the general population, there exists a significant racial disparity, with people of color, particularly Black individuals, experiencing a notably higher prevalence. Despite this disparity, the current literature lacks comprehensive analyses of HS concerning race and ethnicity, revealing a systemic blind spot in understanding and addressing the diseases racially disproportionate impacts. In this commentary, we aim to shed light on these racial disparities, focusing specifically on the stark inequities related to the timely diagnosis and subsequent dermatological care of HS in the United States. This commentary explores the racial bias in HS prevalence, severity, diagnostic delay, access to specialized care, and underrepresentation in clinical trials. By emphasizing the urgent need to address these disparities, we seek to foster an inclusive dialogue and drive proactive efforts toward achieving equitable care and research representation for all populations affected by this debilitating condition. Through this discussion, we aim to pave the way for a healthcare landscape that acknowledges and addresses the racial disparities inherent in HS, ensuring that advancements in the management of the disease cater to the needs of all populations, irrespective of their racial or ethnic background.

Objectives: Lack of awareness of Alzheimer's disease (AD) among Black Americans may undermine their ability to identify potential AD risk. We examined Black Americans' perceptions and knowledge of AD, and views of a healthy brain, which may contribute to the development of effective and culturally sensitive strategies to address racial disparities in AD. Methods: We conducted a mixed-methods study, integrating a cross-sectional survey of 258 older (>55 years) Black participants and qualitative interviews with a sub-sample of N = 29. Both data sets were integrated to inform the results. Results: Participants endorsed having little knowledge of AD. While most participants reported practicing a healthy lifestyle to promote a healthy brain, the range of activities listed were limited. Participants made several suggestions to increase AD awareness, which includes using AD educational materials containing information that would benefit the whole family, not only older adults. Outreach approaches that address both individual behaviors and structural factors were also encouraged. Conclusion: Our findings identify ongoing needs to improve AD awareness among traditionally under-represented groups. Innovation: The study utilized novel approaches to examine participants' perspectives of AD that included a diverse sample of research naïve participants, and integrated exploration of participants' views of AD and brain health.

AbstractBackground Opioid overdoses have continued to increase at higher rates among Black Americans compared to people from other racial groups. Despite demonstrated effectiveness of MOUD in reducing risk of opioid overdose, Black Americans face decreased access to and uptake of MOUD. The current study aimed to examine the knowledge, perceptions, and experiences with MOUD among a sample of Black adults who use prescription opioids nonmedically in order to inform tailored efforts to improve MOUD uptake.Methods Data were derived from a larger study assessing cultural and structural influences on drug use and drug treatment among people who use prescription opioids nonmedically. Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with 34 Black men and women across four generational cohorts: born 1955–1969; 1970–1979; 1980–1994; and 1995–2001. Participant responses were analyzed using thematic analysis.Results Nearly half of participants (44.1%) reported no knowledge or experience with MOUD. Among participants who had any knowledge about MOUD, four major themes regarding their perceptions emerged: MOUD Helps with Recovery; Not Needed for Level of Drug Use; Side Effects and Withdrawal; Equivalence with Illicit Drug Use. The majority reported negative perceptions of MOUD (52.6%), and the youngest cohort (born 1995–2001) had a higher proportion of negative perceptions (80%) relative to other age cohorts (born 1980–1994: 50%; 1970–1979: 75%; 1955–1969: 16.6%).Discussion Findings indicate a significant knowledge gap and clear points of intervention for improving MOUD uptake. Interventions to improve communication of health information in ways that are culturally relevant and tailored by age group can be used in conjunction with efforts to improve MOUD access among Black individuals who use opioids nonmedically.

BackgroundFailure of Alzheimer's disease and related diseases (ADRD) research studies to include and engage Black participants is a major issue, which limits the impact and generalizability of research findings. Little is known about participation of Black adults in online ADRD-related research registries.ObjectivesAs part of the Community Engaged Digital Alzheimer's Research (CEDAR) Study, this study aims to increase our understanding of facilitators and barriers of Black adults to participating in ADRD-related online registries, as well as to understand their preferences for communication channels.Design, setting, participants, measurementsWe invited all Black participants enrolled in the Brain Health Registry (BHR) to complete a cross-sectional online survey. The survey consisted of rating scales and open-text questions asking about their attitudes towards brain health research, reasons for joining and continuing to participate in BHR, difficulties with participating, and preferences for modes of contact and website usage.ResultsOf all invited Black BHR participants (N=3,636), 198 (5.5%) completed the survey. The mean age was 58.4 (SD=11.3), mean years of education were 16.3 (SD=2.4), and 85.5% identified as female. Reported facilitators for joining and continuing to participate in BHR were personal interest (e.g., learning more about own brain health) and altruism (e.g., helping research). Among additional registry features which could encourage return, receiving feedback or scores about BHR tasks was rated the highest. Of those who found BHR participation difficult (21%), the most frequent reason was time burden. The most preferred way of receiving study information was via email. Participants reported that the websites that they used the most were YouTube and Facebook.DiscussionThe results of our study can inform the development of culturally-responsive registry features and engagement efforts to improve inclusion and participation of Black adults in online ADRD research. Providing participants with feedback about their registry performance and reducing the number of registry tasks are among the recommended strategies.

The purpose of this study was to explore how connectedness to Black/African American or lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) communities can promote anti-tobacco industry beliefs and to examine the role of targeted anti-tobacco industry messaging (i.e., tobacco industry denormalization [TID] messages).We hypothesized that community connectedness would predict anti-tobacco industry motivation (H1) and that this effect would be mediated by community-specific anti-industry beliefs (H2). We also hypothesized that these effects would be greater (i.e., moderated) for individuals exposed to targeted TID messages (H3). This study was a secondary analysis of data from a web-based experiment focused on the effects of counter-industry messages (data collected in 2020). The sample consisted of 430 Black/African Americans and 458 LGBTQ young adults. Hypotheses were tested using structural equation modeling. In support of hypothesis 1, community connectedness was associated with anti-tobacco industry motivation for both the LGBTQ and Black/African American subsamples. Hypothesis 2 was also supported. The associations between community connectedness and anti-industry motivations were partially mediated by anti-industry beliefs. Hypothesis 3 was not supported. Exposure to counter-industry messages did not modify the structural model; however, counter-industry messages increased anti-industry beliefs in both subsamples. Fostering community connectedness may help to mobilize community-based tobacco control efforts. Furthermore, interventions targeting anti-tobacco industry beliefs may be effective at reducing tobacco-related disparities. Anti-tobacco industry beliefs can be increased using brief targeted TID messages. Collectively, these findings suggest that community-based approaches rooted in consciousness-raising action may provide a useful model for future tobacco control interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTRODUCTION: Recent evidence suggests that exposure to the stress of racism may increase the risk of dementia for Black Americans. METHODS: The present study used 17 years of data from a sample of 255 Black Americans to investigate the extent to which exposure to racial discrimination predicts subsequent changes in serum Alzheimer's Disease Research Center (ADRC) biomarkers: serum phosphorylated tau181(p‐tau181), neurofilament light (NfL), and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). We hypothesized that racial discrimination assessed during middle age would predict increases in these serum biomarkers as the participants aged into their 60s. RESULTS: Our findings indicate that exposure to various forms of racial discrimination during a person's 40s and early 50s predicts an 11‐year increase in both serum p‐tau181 and NfL. Racial discrimination was not associated with subsequent levels of GFAP. DISCUSSION: These findings suggest that racial discrimination in midlife may contribute to increased AD pathology and neurodegeneration later in life. Highlights: A 17‐year longitudinal study of Black Americans.Assessments of change in serum p‐tau181, neurofilament light, and glial fibrillary acidic protein.Exposure to racial discrimination during middle age predicted increases in p‐tau181 and neurofilament light.Education was positively related to both p‐tau181 and exposure to racial discrimination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Discrimination is a chronic stressor for Black Americans that occurs alongside other social positions and has implications for personal and relational well-being. Using data from the Survey of Midlife in the United States, this study examined the relative and multiplicative effects of gender and financial strain on the links between discrimination and personal and relational well-being among Black Americans in romantic relationships (N = 443). Results indicate that financial strain was associated with poorer personal well-being and that being female was associated with poorer relational well-being. Further, among women (but not men), discrimination was associated with poorer quality of life across levels of financial strain. The findings speak to the potential resilience of Black individuals and their relationships in the face of discrimination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the relationship between various forms of firearm violence exposure and sleep problems among nationally representative samples of Black (N = 3015) and American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) (N = 527) adults, focusing on difficulties falling asleep, staying asleep, and waking too early. Survey data were collected in April and May 2023. We employed negative binomial regression models to analyze the associations between the different types of firearm violence exposure and sleep problems. We further examined associations between cumulative firearm violence exposure and sleep outcomes. A substantial proportion of Black (59%) and AI/AN (56%) adults reported experiencing some form of firearm violence exposure. Being threatened with a firearm emerged as a consistent factor associated with sleep problems for both racial groups. Witnessing or hearing about shootings was linked to sleep problems in the Black sample, while cumulative firearm violence exposure was associated with all sleep problems in both groups. Individual and cumulative firearm violence exposure is associated with increased sleep problems among Black and AI/AN adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Black American adults often report higher rates of obesity and caregiving compared with other racial or ethnic groups. Consequently, many Black American caregivers and care recipients are obese or have obesity-related chronic conditions (e.g. diabetes, hypertension). This study investigated associations between caregiving and obesity among Black Americans, including the role of health behaviors and chronic conditions. The sample included data from 2015 and 2017 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System for non-Hispanic Black (NHB) or African American adult caregivers (n = 2,562) and noncaregivers (n = 7,027). The association between obesity (dependent variable) and caregiving status, fruit consumption, vegetable consumption, physical activity, and number of chronic conditions (independent variables) were evaluated using hierarchical binomial logistic regressions. Caregiving, being female, and chronic conditions were associated with higher odds of obesity, while physical activity was associated with lower odds of obesity. Physical activity, diet, and chronic conditions did not account for differences in obesity among caregiving and noncaregiving Black Americans. Increasing understanding of health behaviors and chronic disease burden of NHB caregivers has implications for programs aiming to improve obesity-related outcomes for caregivers and recipients. Future research should investigate multilevel factors that contribute to observed differences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An expansive and methodologically varied literature designed to investigate racial disparities in health now exists. Empirical evidence points to an overlapping, complex web of social conditions that accelerate the pace of aging and erodes long-term health outcomes among people of color, especially Black Americans. However, a social exposure—or lack thereof—that is rarely mentioned is time use. The current paper was specifically designed to address this shortcoming. First, we draw on extant research to illustrate how and why time is a critical source of racial disparities in health. Second, we employ fundamental causes theory to explain the specific mechanisms through which the differential distribution of time across race is likely to give rise to unequal health outcomes. Finally, we introduce a novel conceptual framework that identifies and distinguishes between four distinct forms of time use likely to play an outsized role in contributing to racial disparities in health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spirituality is a significant cultural strength and resource for Black emerging adults. Numerous studies show that increasing numbers of emerging adults tend to identify themselves as being spiritual but not religious. However, no studies to date have identified the demographic correlates of spirituality for Black emerging adults from different ethnic groups (i.e., African American and Black Caribbean). Data from the National Survey of American Life were used to identify the demographic correlates of two indicators of spirituality (e.g., self-rated spirituality and subjective spirituality) among African American and Black Caribbean emerging adults using linear regression. For African Americans, being a woman predicted both greater self-rated spirituality and subjective spirituality. However, among Black Caribbeans, men rated spirituality higher in importance than women. African Americans who reported higher educational attainment tended to report higher levels of self-rated spirituality and subjective spirituality. Romantic status for Black Caribbeans, whether they had no romantic involvement or a current romantic partner, was associated with lower self-ratings of spirituality. Unmarried cohabitating individuals in both ethnic groups tended to report lower levels of self-related spirituality. Unemployment for Black Caribbeans was associated with lower subjective spirituality. Findings are of interest to those who serve and work with Black emerging adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article brings transitional justice scholarship to bear on the case of racial violence in the United States. We investigate how knowledge of racial terror lynchings shapes Black Americans' support for symbolic and material transitional justice measures. We administer a survey with an embedded experiment to Black residents in Maryland, a US transitional justice pioneer. We provide select respondents with information about historical lynching violence and find that they are more likely to support symbolic transitional justice (e.g. apologies and memorial markers) than individuals presented with information on contemporary police killings. Regarding material transitional justice (e.g. monetary reparations and community projects), we find no significant differences between groups. Linked fate excepted, we do not find that key aspects of Black identity and the Black American experience (i.e. historical knowledge, police contact, church involvement and Black nationalist beliefs) moderate transitional justice attitudes. Our work indicates the promise and limits of information campaigns to mobilize support for transitional justice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this presidential address, I discuss findings from a survey that was sent to all living past presidents (N = 46) of the National Economic Association (NEA). Based on 14 responses, I discuss potential strategies and action items for future NEA boards to consider. This text was spoken aloud during the presidential address. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article lists the NEA board's main accomplishments during the period from February 2023 to January 2024 as summarized in my farewell letter to the NEA membership (sent on January 31, 2024). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ida B. Wells (1862-1931) led an extraordinary life as a journalist, educator, and activist while navigating the intersecting social realities of race, gender, and class. She embodied courage, advocating for the civil rights of Black Americans in an uncompromising fashion. Building on decades of research in social psychology, sociologist Cecilia L. Ridgeway presents (2019) a cultural schema theory of status. She contends that issues of status in interpersonal contexts are an unavoidable aspect of the human condition. Despite the ubiquity of status as a sociocultural force, Ridgeway believes that status hierarchies may be undermined. The present study is a psychobiographical exploration of Wells through the lens of Ridgeway's status theory. It explores: the development of Wells' cultural schemas; how Wells navigated her own status; the inter-relationship between Wells and her sociocultural context; and how Wells undermined and overcame status hierarchies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTRODUCTION: We investigated whether retinal capillary perfusion is a biomarker of cerebral small vessel disease and impaired cognition among Black Americans, an understudied group at higher risk for dementia. METHODS: We enrolled 96 Black Americans without known cognitive impairment. Four retinal perfusion measures were derived using optical coherence tomography angiography. Neurocognitive assessment and brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were performed. Multiple linear regression analyses were performed. RESULTS: Lower retinal capillary perfusion was correlated with worse Oral Symbol Digit Test (P < = 0.005) and Fluid Cognition Composite scores (P < = 0.02), but not with the Crystallized Cognition Composite score (P > = 0.41). Lower retinal perfusion was also correlated with higher free water and peak width of skeletonized mean diffusivity, and lower fractional anisotropy (all P < 0.05) on MRI (N = 35). DISCUSSION: Lower retinal capillary perfusion is associated with worse information processing, fluid cognition, and MRI biomarkers of cerebral small vessel disease, but is not related to crystallized cognition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Skilled home health (HH) is the largest long-term care setting and the fastest-growing site of healthcare in the United States (U.S.). Home Health Value-Based Purchasing (HHVBP) is a structure of Medicare that penalizes U.S. HH agencies for high hospitalization rates. Prior studies have shown inconsistent evidence about associations of race with hospitalization rates in HH. Evidence supports that Black or African Americans are less likely to participate in advance care planning (ACP), or to complete written advance directives, which could affect their potential for hospitalization when nearing end of life. In this quasi-experimental study, we used Medicare administrative datasets, the Weighted Acute Care Services Use Rates (WACSUR) score, and the Advance Care Planning Protocol (ACPP) score to determine whether the proportion of Black HH patients in the U.S. was correlated with acute care use rates and the robustness of agency protocols on ACP. We used primary and secondary data from the U.S. from 2016-2020. We included Medicare-certified HH agencies. Spearman's correlation coefficient was used. We found a statistical trend showing that the greater proportion of Black patients enrolled in a HH agency, the greater tendency to have a high hospitalization rate. Our findings suggest that HHVBP may encourage patient selection and exacerbate health disparities. Our findings support recommendations for alternative measures of quality in HH to include measures of goal-concordant care coordination when patients are denied admission to HH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Black young adults use social media frequently and they are especially active on Twitter. Black young adults are exposed to both racially-affirming positive content and also racially-discriminatory negative content on Twitter. Correlational investigations have suggested that exposure to such content has psychological consequences, yet our understanding of acute responses to race-related Twitter messages remains hampered by the lack of a social media stimuli set that can be employed in an experimental setting. Therefore, we developed and tested an initial stimuli set of Tweets with different valences (i.e., positive, negative) and content (i.e., race-related, non-race-related) that can be used for testing experimental hypotheses about physiological, emotional, and behavioral changes associated with exposure to Twitter content in subsequent research. In two studies with Black college-attending young adult Twitter users (N = 43; Mage = 19.26) and a national sample of Black young adult Twitter users (N = 290, Mage = 25.85), we developed and tested the internal consistency, construct, convergent, ecological, and criterion-related validity of the stimuli set. The final Tweet Stimuli Set for Content about Black People (TSS-CBP) includes 16 stimuli grouped into four conditions (positive non-race-related, positive race-related, negative non-race-related, and negative race-related). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The year 2020 was a challenging and traumatic year for Americans, especially Black Americans. Many Black people quickly succumbed to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID‐19). This paper describes systemic trauma as a lens to conceptualize the effects of COVID‐19, racial stress and trauma, and grief. A recount of the events during the year 2020 is reviewed. Racism towards Black people was at an all‐time high. Complicated and collective grief was ever‐present. As a by‐product of COVID‐19, economic and health disparities resurfaced to further complicate Black people's well‐being. Systemic trauma is described as a comprehensive and inclusive framework that captures the intensity and depth of the trauma Black Americans experienced. We argue that culturally appropriate interventions are needed to help Black people continue to heal from the distress of 2020. Race‐informed trauma treatment is a culturally appropriate intervention that facilitates healing, improves the quality of life, and fosters posttraumatic growth for Black Americans. We offer race‐informed treatment as a theoretical orientation that can facilitate healing and posttraumatic growth for Black people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gentrification has been identified as a phenomenon that involves impacts on space and place. Particularly, gentrification's social and cultural impacts involve disrupted meanings residents associate with spaces. Although space and place dynamics of gentrification have been well-documented, gentrification research has primarily involved traditional quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods approaches. These traditional approaches have not fully captured the nuanced ways space and place dimensions of gentrification converge in their impacts on residents. Also, traditional approaches have limited most gentrification research to theory and descriptions, as opposed to action and practice. To this end, innovative, integrated methodologies are needed for a paradigm shift in how gentrification is examined and addressed. In this article, we illustrate the use of photovoice and Geographic Information Systems' Story Map as an integrated methodological approach to examining and fostering action against gentrification's space-place impacts. We provide strengths and challenges of this approach and recommendations for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Black Americans bear the greatest burden of HIV, accounting for 43% of new diagnoses. Yet Black Americans also evidence the lowest utilization rates of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), a highly effective biomedical strategy for preventing HIV infection. Predictors of PrEP acceptance vary; however, little is known about psychological distress, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, as a predictor. In this cross-sectional study, n = 195 Black Americans, evidencing behaviors found in the research literature to heighten risk for contracting HIV (e.g. sex work, injection drug use) ages 18-29, 55% cisgender women, 39.5% cisgender men, 3% transgender/non-binary, completed audio-computer-assisted self-interviews. Bivariate analyses indicated significant positive associations between PTSD symptoms and PrEP acceptance and self-confidence. In multinomial logistic regression analyses, after controlling for Perceived HIV Risk, participants had a higher likelihood of responding they 'probably would' take PrEP (as opposed to 'definitely would not' take PrEP) if they reported higher levels of PTSD symptoms. Post-hoc analyses revealed a curvilinear relationship between PTSD symptoms and PrEP acceptance with those reporting the highest level of PTSD in the sample having slightly lower PrEP acceptance than those reporting moderately high levels of PTSD. Findings are discussed in the context of the negative impacts of high levels of PTSD and potential positive adaptations subsequent to moderate levels of PTSD that could be relevant to advances in HIV prevention efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores the ethical complexity of inclusion, exclusion, and protection in TPC, drawing upon a historical technical document, The Green Book, which helped Black American travelers in the 1930-60s locate safe leisure spaces in a segregated society. We examine The Green Book through the antiracist thinker Kendi to understand some of the ethical limits of the binary of inclusion/exclusion and identify necessary forms of protection for historically- and multiply-marginalized groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forgiveness is embedded within sociocultural elements of identity, including spiritual beliefs and orientation towards justice. Because Black American identity is storied and complex, Black Americans often navigate complex questions of forgiveness. We explored the extent to which Black Americans' spirituality and belief in a just world influenced their capacity to forgive with implications for mental health. A multiple regression analysis conducted using the survey responses of 166 Black Americans indicated spiritual beliefs informed beliefs about whether the world is just, and spirituality was positively associated with Black Americans' capacity to forgive. The positive association between spirituality and forgiveness was only significant when Black Americans perceived that it was beneficial to reconcile the relationship with the person who wronged them. Our findings are consistent with studies that address spirituality as a cultural asset worthy of exploration among Black Americans dealing with complex questions of forgiveness and justice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article aims to elucidate Langston Hughes’s political concerns as reflected in his most important political play, Scottsboro Limited (1931). Langston Hughes is a distinguished African American writer who tried his hand in almost all literary genres. He epitomized the views and ideals of the African American literary movement known as ‘The Harlem Renaissance’. In this play, he attempts to justify his race’s need to pursue their political rights and fight for the achievement of equality and liberty. This is achieved by illustrating the contaminated political atmosphere and circumstances under which African Americans were leading their life. Furthermore, the reasons that led to Hughes’s political resentment and indignation are all brought to light. In this play, he presents an outrageous example that shows the prevalence of political corruption inside the law system itself. What is noticeable about Langston Hughes is that he does not confine himself to discussing the conditions of African Americans, but he attempts to deal with the absorbed rights of other groups of people worldwide. Consequently, he saw that there was a need for an international revolution against whites’ oppression. These harsh forces were represented by the white imperialists and wealthy persons both in Europe and the USA. In Scottsboro Limited, he encourages these helpless people to get united to be able to strive against their oppressors and attain their full rights. The last point that this article handles is Hughes’s relationship with the communist part. His illustration of how the political rights of poor people internationally are down-trodden was the reason which lurked behind the racially-prejudiced attempts to relate him to the activities of Communism in American society. They accused him of being a communist, though he never was. All these aspects are crystalized in the analysis of the play [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Guidelines call for pregnant people to be screened for depression and anxiety. Screening may be particularly important for pregnant Black individuals who are reported to be more likely than non-Hispanic White pregnant people to experience prenatal stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms. The purpose of this study was to determine if depression, anxiety, and stress co-occur in pregnant Black people and to identify which demographic factors are related to these mental health concerns. Methods: A subset analysis of an ongoing randomized controlled trial examined the risk of coexisting mental health conditions in pregnant Black people who screened eligible to participate (that is, they had high levels of depression, anxiety, and/or stress) in two urban clinics using a descriptive correlational design. Results: Of the 452 pregnant Black people who were screened for eligibility, 194 (42.9%) had elevated scores on depression, anxiety, and/or stress measures and were enrolled in the larger study. The average scores of the 194 enrolled participants were anxiety, mean (M) = 9.16 (standard deviation [SD] = 4.30); depression, M = 12.80 (SD = 4.27); and stress, M = 21.79 (SD = 4.76). More than one-third (n = 70, 36.1%) experienced two symptoms and 64 (33.0%) reported all three symptoms. Conclusion: Pregnant Black individuals experience high levels of comorbid mental health distress including depression, anxiety, and stress. The findings indicate that treatment for mental health concerns needs to be broad-based and effective for all three conditions. Prenatal interventions should aim to address mental health distress through screening and treatment of depression, anxiety, and stress, especially for pregnant Black individuals. This study furthers understanding of the prevalence of prenatal mental health conditions in pregnant Black people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite increasing research, the links between racial discrimination and Black Americans' romantic relationship dynamics remain unclear. Guided by models of mundane extreme environmental stress (Peters & Massey, 1983), sociocultural family stress (McNeil Smith & Landor, 2018), and Black marital outcomes (Bryant et al., 2010), we conducted a systematic review of the literature examining racial discrimination and relationship dynamics among Black Americans in same‐race and interracial romantic relationships. Synthesizing findings from 32 published empirical articles, we find support for manifestations of each component of MEES in Black intimate life. We uncover evidence that racial discrimination is associated with compromised relationship functioning for Black Americans. Several psychosocial resources were also identified as either buffering these associations or posing drawbacks/limitations for Black Americans. We discuss notable gaps in the literature and directions for future research including intersectional investigations, broader examination of the MEES context, and de‐centering whiteness among studies of interracial relationship dynamics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There are inconsistencies documenting the pain experience of Black adults and other racially minoritized populations. Often disregarded, pain among these groups is characterized by misconceptions, biases, and discriminatory practices, which may lead to inequitable pain care. Methods: To address this issue, this professional commentary provides an overview of pain reform and the need to declare chronic pain as a critical public health issue, while requiring that equity be a key focus in providing comprehensive pain screening and standardizing epidemiological surveillance to understand the prevalence and incidence of pain. Results and Conclusions: This roadmap is a call to action for all sectors of research, practice, policy, education, and advocacy. More importantly, this progressive agenda is timely for all race and other marginalized groups and reminds us that adequate treatment of pain is an obligation that cannot be the responsibility of one person, community, or institution, but rather a collective responsibility of those willing to service the needs of all individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Black Americans suffer disparities in risk for cardiometabolic and other chronic diseases. Findings from the Adventist Health Study-2 (AHS-2) cohort have shown associations of plant-based dietary patterns and healthy lifestyle factors with prevention of such diseases. Hence, it is likely that racial differences in metabolic profiles correlating with disparities in chronic diseases are explained largely by diet and lifestyle, besides social determinants of health. Methods Untargeted plasma metabolomics screening was performed on plasma samples from 350 participants of the AHS-2, including 171 Black and 179 White participants, using ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) and a global platform of 892 metabolites. Differences in metabolites or biochemical subclasses by race were analyzed using linear regression, considering various models adjusted for known confounders, dietary and/or other lifestyle behaviors, social vulnerability, and psychosocial stress. The Storey permutation approach was used to adjust for false discovery at FDR

Introduction: Black Americans face significant challenges related to sleep health, including insufficient sleep duration (IS), defined as fewer than 7 h per night, and compromised sleep quality, understood as the subjective perception of one's sleep experience. These issues not only carry broad health implications but also exacerbate existing health disparities. Methods: This study utilizes the Socio-Ecological Model (SEM) and Life-Course Approach (LCA) to comprehensively examine the multilevel influences on sleep health among Black Americans. The SEM explores how factors from individual biological nuances to overarching public policies impact sleep, while the LCA focuses on the temporal impact of early life experiences, developmental transitions, and the accumulation of advantages and disadvantages. Findings: Our literature review reveals a complex interaction of societal structures, environmental factors, and individual behaviors that influence both the duration and quality of sleep among Black Americans. The nuanced understanding provided by combining the SEM and LCA frameworks highlights critical areas for intervention. Potential interventions: The study identifies potential pathways for public health interventions and strategies that take a holistic and multi-faceted approach. These interventions aim to address both the quantitative aspects of sleep, such as duration, and qualitative aspects, such as sleep quality, to improve sleep health among Black Americans comprehensively. Conclusion: Effectively addressing the intertwined issues of sleep duration and quality is crucial for enhancing overall sleep health in Black American communities. Our findings underscore the importance of integrated approaches that consider both socio-ecological and life-course factors in tackling sleep health disparities.