Shelly Ann Maras, Rossana Roberts, Caroline Taheri, Bola B Yusuf, Brittany Choate, Ania Wellere, Tara Carr, Abisola Osinuga Snipes, Leah Frerichs
{"title":"Adapting a Health Impact Assessment Tool for Community-Engaged Research to Improve Health Equity Measurements for NIH RADx-UP Pilot Projects.","authors":"Shelly Ann Maras, Rossana Roberts, Caroline Taheri, Bola B Yusuf, Brittany Choate, Ania Wellere, Tara Carr, Abisola Osinuga Snipes, Leah Frerichs","doi":"10.1177/2752535X251383184","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/2752535X251383184","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The National Institutes of Health (NIH) supported the Rapid Acceleration of Diagnostics-Underserved Populations (RADx-UP) program, which aims to ensure that all Americans have access to COVID-19 testing and promotes health equity, especially in underserved communities. Under RADx-UP, there are two pilot programs - Community Collaboration Grants (C2G) and Rapid Research Pilot Program (RP2) - that fund projects to conduct community-engaged outreach and research to address COVID-19 testing disparities. As such, we sought to assess projects' health equity impacts within their priority populations. Our evaluation team used cognitive interviews with C2G and RP2 project representatives to revise health equity metrics within an existing Health Impact Assessment (HIA) tool to measure health equity impacts within these community-engaged research projects. During interviews, participants indicated that we needed to improve the clarity and readability of key terms and phrases related to health equity, and they provided suggestions for how to tailor metrics to community partners. In this paper, we highlight our process of adapting the original metrics and share lessons learned that other evaluators may apply to their work. Our project highlights the importance of cognitive interviewing as a critical methodology to tailor an existing pilot-tested HIA to a community-based audience; however, it also sheds light on the difficulties of measuring health equity within community-engaged research initiatives and future recommendations.</p>","PeriodicalId":72648,"journal":{"name":"Community health equity research & policy","volume":" ","pages":"2752535X251383184"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-10-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145369081","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Sara J Shuman, Lara Law, Tamara Sargus, Keith G Bentele
{"title":"\"I Don't Want to Pass Away Like This\": A Qualitative Study of the Goals and Needs of People Experiencing Homelessness in Tucson, Arizona.","authors":"Sara J Shuman, Lara Law, Tamara Sargus, Keith G Bentele","doi":"10.1177/2752535X251391842","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/2752535X251391842","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BackgroundHomelessness in the United States is growing and has serious implications for the health and well-being of individuals and communities. The purpose of this study is to share the self-identified goals and needs of people experiencing homelessness in a Southwestern city in the United States.MethodsWe undertook secondary data analysis of qualitative responses (<i>n</i> = 169) to a questionnaire that was part of a 2023 needs assessment of adults experiencing homelessness in Tucson, Arizona. Using inductive applied thematic analysis, qualitative data were transcribed, coded, and organized into themes.ResultsFive themes emerged from the data analysis: (1) people do not want to be homeless, they want stability, and they are willing to work for it; (2) relationships are an important driver of goals; (3) barriers at the individual and interpersonal levels are diverse and individualized; (4) stigma and discrimination hinder exits from homelessness, and (5) hope and despair are both common.ConclusionParticipants experiencing homelessness overwhelmingly articulated the desire to be housed, employed, reconnect with family, and generally have stability in their lives. These findings provide a direct contradiction to the narrative that people who are homeless choose homelessness or do not want to work to change their circumstances.</p>","PeriodicalId":72648,"journal":{"name":"Community health equity research & policy","volume":" ","pages":"2752535X251391842"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-10-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145369092","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Roger Antabe, Godwin Arku, Erica Lawson, Josephine Wong, Winston Husbands, Isaac Luginaah
{"title":"Uncovering HIV Vulnerabilities Beyond the Usual Layers: Practices of Masculinity and HIV Risk Among Heterosexual Black Men in London, Ontario, Canada.","authors":"Roger Antabe, Godwin Arku, Erica Lawson, Josephine Wong, Winston Husbands, Isaac Luginaah","doi":"10.1177/2752535X251388603","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/2752535X251388603","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>In Canada, Black men are overburdened with HIV. Some studies have suggested that traditional masculinity practices are key drivers of new HIV infections as they endorse high-risk behaviors. However, critical scholars have also highlighted complex pathways through which Black men's masculinity practices and their associated health impacts may be influenced by their structural circumstances in Canada. Informed by these, we draw on analyses of interviews (<i>n</i> = 13) and focus group discussions (<i>n</i> = 17) with self-identified heterosexual Black men resident in London, Ontario, to understand how they construct and practice masculinity in response to their HIV vulnerability. Using a mixed inductive-deductive thematic approach to data analysis, our findings suggest that in response to their HIV vulnerability and poor health outcomes, Black men practice progressive masculinities that empower them to engage with their health needs and help build resilience against HIV. Furthermore, race-based discrimination, stereotypes, societal expectations, and the 'othering' of Black men in Canada may engender the performance of traditional masculinity by some younger Black men, which may deplete their capacity to build resilience against HIV. We recommend that health policy stakeholders in Canada leverage these findings to engage Black men in addressing their structural vulnerabilities to HIV.</p>","PeriodicalId":72648,"journal":{"name":"Community health equity research & policy","volume":" ","pages":"2752535X251388603"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-10-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145310117","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Mona Z Ghadirian, Iván Sarmiento, Natalia Reinoso Chávez, Neil Andersson, Anne Cockcroft
{"title":"Experience of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Rural Nigeria: A Scoping Review of the Literature Contextualized With Local Knowledge Using Fuzzy Cognitive Mapping.","authors":"Mona Z Ghadirian, Iván Sarmiento, Natalia Reinoso Chávez, Neil Andersson, Anne Cockcroft","doi":"10.1177/2752535X251384511","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/2752535X251384511","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>AimCollate and summarise published evidence of the non-clinical effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in rural Nigeria and compare the findings with community stakeholder experiences.MethodsWe searched PubMed, Scopus, and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) for peer-reviewed papers published up to January 2024. Included studies used quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methods to examine the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on the lives of rural Nigerians. Two reviewers conducted title, abstract, and full-text screening independently. We used narrative descriptions and fuzzy cognitive maps to summarise the findings of the review and compared the maps with those previously created by stakeholders in rural communities in Bauchi State, rural Nigeria.ResultsPoverty, hunger and lack of food, and stress and mental health problems were leading themes in both the literature and stakeholder maps. Stakeholder maps highlighted job loss and household conflicts. These topics were rarely explored in the literature, which emphasized reduced health services.ConclusionThis review and stakeholder perspectives confirm the importance of non-clinical impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic in rural Nigeria. Some issues highlighted by local community stakeholders were absent in the literature. Contextualizing published research with local experience provides specific insights to inform recovery policies.</p>","PeriodicalId":72648,"journal":{"name":"Community health equity research & policy","volume":" ","pages":"2752535X251384511"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-10-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145240442","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Ivan Sarmiento, Yagana Gidado, Hadiza Mudi, Altine Joga, Umaira Ansari, Sa'adatu Bello Kirfi, Mohammed Abbas Ibrahim, Neil Andersson, Anne Cockcroft
{"title":"What Made the COVID-19 Pandemic Experience Worse in Communities in Northern Nigeria: Fuzzy Cognitive Mapping of Community Perceptions.","authors":"Ivan Sarmiento, Yagana Gidado, Hadiza Mudi, Altine Joga, Umaira Ansari, Sa'adatu Bello Kirfi, Mohammed Abbas Ibrahim, Neil Andersson, Anne Cockcroft","doi":"10.1177/2752535X251384522","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/2752535X251384522","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>AimsCollate local perceptions of factors influencing experience of the COVID-19 pandemic in communities in Bauchi State, Northern Nigeria.ResultsFuzzy cognitive mapping (FCM) collated participant views of what made their experience worse during the COVID-19 pandemic. FCM uses concepts linked by weighted arrows to indicate perceived causal relationships. Higher weights indicate stronger influences; positive and negative signs indicate direct and inverse causal relationships, respectively. In late 2023, local facilitators collected 81 maps in urban, rural and remote communities, 11 with administrative officials, and four with vulnerable groups (388 participants in total). We created average maps for each stakeholder group. Facilitators inductively grouped factors into categories. We calculated the cumulative net influence (CNI) (range -1 to +1) of categories and identified important causes and outcomes within the network. The maps included 152 factors in 25 categories. <i>Hunger and lack of food</i> (CNI = 0.63) worsened pandemic experience the most, followed by <i>reduced businesses and jobs</i> (CNI = 0.40), causing economic disruption and threatening livelihoods. <i>Increased household conflicts</i> (CNI = 0.35) and <i>stress and mental health problems</i> (CNI = 0.30) were also prominent negative influences and intermediate outcomes in the network. <i>Lockdown</i> (CNI = 0.34) was the most important underlying cause of other causal categories.ConclusionsThe maps depicted the interconnected impacts of the pandemic on community members. Participants confirmed the worst impacts were related to control measures exacerbating pre-existing economic challenges. These FCM findings will form part of the evidence shared with communities and policy makers to support co-design of strategies for pandemic recovery aligned with community needs and strengths.</p>","PeriodicalId":72648,"journal":{"name":"Community health equity research & policy","volume":" ","pages":"2752535X251384522"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-10-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145214132","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Use of Subsidized Health Services by Artists in Canada: An Exploratory Study.","authors":"Sesinam de Youngster, Shelly-Anne Li","doi":"10.1177/2752535X241290666","DOIUrl":"10.1177/2752535X241290666","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>IntroductionCreative and performing artists are often confronted with precarious employment and insufficient healthcare coverage. A clinic in Canada that provides specialized healthcare to artists offers eligible artists subsidized health services. We aim to compare the use of health services, demographics and health conditions between subsidy artist recipients (SAs) and non-subsidy artists (NSAs).MethodsWe accessed existing data from 265 SAs and 711 NSAs and applied descriptive and inferential statistics to address our research questions.ResultsMusculoskeletal issues, stress, anxiety disorders, and depressive disorders are the most common health problems faced by SAs. Compared to NSAs, SAs were more likely to seek treatment for stress, but less likely to seek treatment for anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, chronic problems, and upper extremity problems.DiscussionFuture research may investigate the enduring effects of subsidized health services on SAs' health outcomes. Sustained positive outcomes are crucial for maintaining an artist's career and well-being.</p>","PeriodicalId":72648,"journal":{"name":"Community health equity research & policy","volume":" ","pages":"79-88"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12335641/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142482299","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Austin Arnold, Victoria Zigmont, Pouria Sefidmooye Azar, Kima Barannik, Anne Cafer, Meagen Rosenthal
{"title":"Addressing Dietary-Related Health Disparities in Underserved Communities: Outcomes From a 24-Month Pilot, Subsidized Food Prescription Program in the Mississippi Delta.","authors":"Austin Arnold, Victoria Zigmont, Pouria Sefidmooye Azar, Kima Barannik, Anne Cafer, Meagen Rosenthal","doi":"10.1177/2752535X241301847","DOIUrl":"10.1177/2752535X241301847","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> This study examines the outcomes of the 24-months Charleston FoodRx food prescription program implemented in rural Mississippi to address dietary-related health disparities.<b>Purpose:</b> Examine changes in participant produce consumption, food seccurity, and anthropometrics over a 24-month period.<b>Research Design:</b> A one-group, repeated measures design, was utilized to assess changes in produce consumption, food security, and anthropometric data from baseline.<b>Study Sample:</b> A total of 55 households completed the study.<b>Data analyses:</b> longitudinal and regression analyses were conducted to identify significant change over time.<b>Results:</b> Results indicated an increase in weekly produce consumption, and a decrease in the prevalence of food insecurity over the follow-up periods. Among adults, statistically significant reductions in weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and triglyceride levels were observed at the 24-month endpoint.<b>Conclusions:</b> These outcomes support the efficacy of food prescription programs in promoting healthier dietary behaviors and improving health-related outcomes. The study provides valuable insights into the impact of such interventions on dietary-related health disparities in underserved communities. However, more robust research is needed to maximize the potential of these interventions.</p>","PeriodicalId":72648,"journal":{"name":"Community health equity research & policy","volume":" ","pages":"89-101"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142645257","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Women's Perspectives on Post-partum Family Planning in Banyumas, Indonesia.","authors":"Sandra Olivia Frans, Utsamani Cintyamena, Shita Listyadewi, Ariane Utomo","doi":"10.1177/2752535X241304080","DOIUrl":"10.1177/2752535X241304080","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> A recent programmatic shift in the provision of family planning in the Global South led to a renewed focus on post-partum family planning (PPFP). PPFP embodies a shift in the primary narrative of global family planning programs, from fertility reduction to promoting maternal and child well-being.<b>Purpose:</b> We examine key factors that shape women's knowledge, attitudes and practice of PPFP in Banyumas, Indonesia.<b>Methodology:</b> We employed a qualitative approach utilizing focus group discussions with pregnant women and women with children aged less than 1 year old (<i>n</i> = 44), and in-depth interviews with health service providers (<i>n</i> = 10). Guided by the research questions, we conducted a thematic analysis of the transcripts.<b>Results:</b> Our findings demonstrate how women's agency within marriage, their social and familial networks, their interactions with healthcare providers, and policy changes related to reproductive health and health insurance schemes, all influence the extent to which women's rights to information and choice regarding post-partum family planning can be realized. <b>Conclusions:</b> Key implications for practice include the necessity for health providers to offer unbiased information about contraceptive options, to engage local leadership effectively, and to ensure that government targets for the PPFP program align with women's needs and the health and social conditions of the community.</p>","PeriodicalId":72648,"journal":{"name":"Community health equity research & policy","volume":" ","pages":"103-115"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142796669","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Marie Ivantechenko, Shubarna Akhter, Damara Gutnick
{"title":"Empowering Trusted Messengers With Motivational Interviewing Skills: Improving Dissemination of Accurate Information to Communities.","authors":"Marie Ivantechenko, Shubarna Akhter, Damara Gutnick","doi":"10.1177/2752535X241304081","DOIUrl":"10.1177/2752535X241304081","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BackgroundHistorical injustices, structural racism, and negative healthcare experiences contribute to Black and Brown communities' distrust of science. Bridging Research, Accurate Information, and Dialogue (BRAID) is a community engagement model that leverages trusted messengers to share accurate, co-created health and science messages to their community through their social networks. In our prior research, trusted messengers reported encountering resistance or \"discord\" when conveying information about controversial topics such as COVID-19 vaccines and the importance of diversity in clinical trials. Motivational Interviewing (MI) is an evidence-based communication style widely practiced by healthcare providers to guide ambivalent patients toward behavior change. However, MI's application by community members, particularly trusted messengers, as a strategy for enhancing health message dissemination remains unexplored.PurposeThis study used mixed methods to explore the feasibility of training trusted messengers in MI to support the dissemination of public health messages through social networks. Specifically, we sought to understand perspectives on learning MI and use of MI in conversations about clinical trial diversity and research subject protection.Research Design13 trusted messengers completed a MI introductory training.ResultsEighty-five percent found the training highly valuable, 54% reported high self-efficacy, and 69% expressed a desire for additional training. Qualitative analysis revealed trusted messenger endorsement of MI, recognition of MI's applicability to various contexts, and a sense of empowerment to share accurate information to their communities.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that empowering trusted messengers with communication skills can be a practical, feasible, and cost-effective public health strategy for effective dissemination of accurate public health messages.</p>","PeriodicalId":72648,"journal":{"name":"Community health equity research & policy","volume":" ","pages":"41-51"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142735184","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Jennifer White, Ashley Young, Murray Webber, Joy Harrison, Amy Hiscox, Jessica Lush, Baeho Joo, Janessa Sherrin, Mattias Grasselli, Julie Byles
{"title":"A Qualitative Exploration of Refugee Experiences of Access to a Dedicated Multi-Disciplinary Refugee Health Team in an Australian Context: Implication for Future Care.","authors":"Jennifer White, Ashley Young, Murray Webber, Joy Harrison, Amy Hiscox, Jessica Lush, Baeho Joo, Janessa Sherrin, Mattias Grasselli, Julie Byles","doi":"10.1177/2752535X241286250","DOIUrl":"10.1177/2752535X241286250","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>AimsRefugees experience physical and mental health issues that need attention following settlement in a new community. However, access to and utilisation of healthcare services is challenging. We aimed to explore the experience of refugee access to a dedicated multi-disciplinary refugee health team.MethodsAn interpretative qualitative study. 17 qualitative interviews were conducted with Ezidi refugees who attended a newly established multi-disciplinary refugee health program in a regional town in NSW, Australia. Data were analysed using an inductive thematic approach.ResultsParticipants (<i>n</i> = 17) identified as Ezidi and were from Iraq. Parents were between 23 and 57 years of age and had 1-12 children per family. Most had been in Australia between 2 and 5 years. Four key themes were identified: (1) Identifying the extent of health needs following a long wait to migrate; (2) Health support across the life span: the benefit of access to a multi-disciplinary team; (3) Gaps in cultural competence - impacted by understanding and interpreter access; and (4) Ongoing health and lifestyle concerns - influenced by understanding and education.ConclusionsWe identified the benefit of access to allied health for prompt diagnosis, treatment and management of conditions including congenital and developmental conditions, mental health and chronic diseases. Access to a dedicated team ensured early intervention for a broad range of health and social issues including early referral to services, close coordination and help to complete supporting paperwork and applications. Ongoing investments are needed to maintain this comprehensive and coordinated approach to care that is underpinned by a family centric approach.</p>","PeriodicalId":72648,"journal":{"name":"Community health equity research & policy","volume":" ","pages":"19-29"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12335621/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142302406","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}