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":"https://doi.org/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":"2752535X241301847"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-11-16","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}
Elizabeth M Allen, Michael J Van Skiba, Ariel Frisancho, Claudia Llanten, Cecilia Izarra
{"title":"Community Health Agents Dismantling Gender Norms in a Machismo Society.","authors":"Elizabeth M Allen, Michael J Van Skiba, Ariel Frisancho, Claudia Llanten, Cecilia Izarra","doi":"10.1177/2752535X241298832","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/2752535X241298832","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Community health agents (CHAs) play a crucial role in healthcare delivery and can also impact societal gender norms. This study aims to understand CHAs' perceptions of gender roles and norms to identify long-term strategies for women's empowerment.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We conducted 90-min focus group discussions (FGDs) among CHAs in Peru. FGDs illuminated women's perceptions of gender roles and how to empower women in communities.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>In total, 53 CHAs participated across six FGDs. CHAs noted that women face significant barriers, are treated disrespectfully, and relegated to domestic roles. Ideal gender norms were described as having access to education, increasing voice, inclusion in decision-making, and independence. Changing gender norms requires that men, women, families, and communities support women's progress in society.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>CHAs are in a unique and powerful position to drive social change. Understanding CHAs perceptions can help develop effective strategies for women's empowerment.</p>","PeriodicalId":72648,"journal":{"name":"Community health equity research & policy","volume":" ","pages":"2752535X241298832"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-11-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142607667","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}
Jacquelyn N Heuer, Sarah E Bradley, Bridget Hahm, Kristin Pettey, Karen Besterman-Dahan
{"title":"\"It's Really About Those Social Determinants of Health that Drive It\": Addressing Food Insecurity in Rural Veterans.","authors":"Jacquelyn N Heuer, Sarah E Bradley, Bridget Hahm, Kristin Pettey, Karen Besterman-Dahan","doi":"10.1177/2752535X241292108","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/2752535X241292108","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) employs numerous strategies to address food insecurity among rural veterans. This manuscript discusses findings from a quality improvement project examining factors impacting food insecurity among rural veterans.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Qualitative interviews were conducted with VA expert informants (n = 30) who worked in national program offices addressing veteran food insecurity, site visit participants (n = 57) at three VA Medical Centers (VAMCs), and rural veterans who screened positive for food insecurity at the VAMC sites (n = 10). Interviews were analyzed with analysis matrices.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Current VA programming includes a national food insecurity screening initiative and connecting veterans with local community resources. Veteran participants provided suggestions for addressing veteran food insecurity, including outreach and education. In addition, these interviews demonstrate that rural veteran food insecurity is intrinsically interwoven with other social determinants of health.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Addressing rural veteran food insecurity must include strategies for understanding and supporting interconnected veteran needs.</p>","PeriodicalId":72648,"journal":{"name":"Community health equity research & policy","volume":" ","pages":"2752535X241292108"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-10-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142482298","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><strong>Introduction: </strong>Creative 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).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We accessed existing data from 265 SAs and 711 NSAs and applied descriptive and inferential statistics to address our research questions.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Musculoskeletal 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.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>Future 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":"2752535X241290666"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-10-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142482299","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}
Solmaz Amiri, Jeanne Robison, Chaya Pflugeisen, Pablo Monsivais, Ofer Amram
{"title":"Travel Burden to Cancer Screening and Treatment Facilities Among Washington Women: Data From an Integrated Healthcare Delivery System.","authors":"Solmaz Amiri, Jeanne Robison, Chaya Pflugeisen, Pablo Monsivais, Ofer Amram","doi":"10.1177/2752535X231215881","DOIUrl":"10.1177/2752535X231215881","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>To characterize distance traveled for breast cancer screening and to sites of service for breast cancer treatment, among rural and urban women served by a Washington State healthcare network.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Data for this study came from one of the largest not-for-profit integrated healthcare delivery systems in Washington State. Generalized linear mixed models with gamma log link function were used to examine the associations between travel distance and sociodemographic and contextual characteristics of patients.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Median travel distance for breast cancer screening facilities, hematologist/oncologists, radiation oncologists, or surgeons was 11, 19, 23, or 11 miles, respectively. Travel distance to breast cancer screening or referral facilities was longer in non-core metropolitan ZIP codes compared to metropolitan ZIP codes. AI/AN and Hispanic women travelled longer distances to reach referral facilities compared to other racial and ethnic groups.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Disparities exist in travel distance to breast cancer screening and treatment. Further research is needed to describe sociodemographic and system level characteristics that contribute to such disparities and to discover novel approaches to alleviate this burden.</p>","PeriodicalId":72648,"journal":{"name":"Community health equity research & policy","volume":" ","pages":"13-21"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"136400532","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":"https://doi.org/10.1177/2752535X241286250","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Aims: </strong>Refugees 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.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>An 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.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Participants (<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.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>We 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":"2752535X241286250"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-09-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142302406","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}
Sharvari Karandikar,Rochelle L Dalla,Kaitlin Casassa
{"title":"The Women and Children of India's Red-Light Brothel Districts: An Exploratory Investigation of Vulnerability and Survival During a Global Pandemic.","authors":"Sharvari Karandikar,Rochelle L Dalla,Kaitlin Casassa","doi":"10.1177/2752535x241280226","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/2752535x241280226","url":null,"abstract":"Globally, women and children were disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Vulnerable populations of women and children-including those who live in poverty, lack access to health care, have little informal support, and who face stigma and discrimination-were particularly susceptible to harm incurred by the pandemic. Using social determinants of health framework, this investigation sought to understand the lived experiences of women and children residing in an impoverished, resource-poor, urban brothel red-light brothel area district in India, at the outset of the pandemic and following the national lockdown(s). Four questions guided the investigation: (1) How did participants first hear about COVID-19 and what was learned regarding self-protective measures? (2) What daily life challenges were posed by the national lockdown? (3) To what extent were participants able to access or rely on informal supports support during the initial stages of the pandemic? and (4) What types of assistance, if any, did participants receive from non-governmental organizations (NGOs) or other (e.g., governmental) sources? This is one of only a handful of empirical investigations elevating the voices of children residing in urban brothel-based red-light districts. Findings pose significant implications for practice, policy, and continued research.","PeriodicalId":72648,"journal":{"name":"Community health equity research & policy","volume":"5 1","pages":"2752535X241280226"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-09-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142267280","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}
Margaret D Whitley, Lilian G Perez, Gabriela Castro, Anne Larson, Kathryn P Derose
{"title":"Modifying Text Messages from a Faith-Based Physical Activity Intervention with Latino Adults in Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic.","authors":"Margaret D Whitley, Lilian G Perez, Gabriela Castro, Anne Larson, Kathryn P Derose","doi":"10.1177/2752535X221150009","DOIUrl":"10.1177/2752535X221150009","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Text messages are useful for health promotion and can be modified during public health emergencies.</p><p><strong>Purpose: </strong>Describe how we developed and implemented a physical activity (PA) text messaging component within a faith-based intervention, modified the text message content in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and evaluated participants' perceptions of the modified text messages.</p><p><strong>Research design and study sample: </strong>PA promotion text messages were delivered to predominately Spanish-speaking, churchgoing Latino adults (<i>n</i> = 284) in Los Angeles, California. In 2020, we modified the messages to disseminate COVID-19-related information and support and share virtual PA resources.</p><p><strong>Data collection and analysis: </strong>We analyzed quantitative and qualitative survey data to gauge participants' experiences with the text messages.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>COVID-19 related text messages were a feasible, acceptable addition to a PA intervention for a sample of Latinos.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Throughout the pandemic, the messages enabled continued communication and support for PA and protection from COVID-19 in a population at high-risk of health inequities.</p>","PeriodicalId":72648,"journal":{"name":"Community health equity research & policy","volume":" ","pages":"399-407"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9852972/pdf/10.1177_2752535X221150009.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"9463759","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}
{"title":"Strengthening Health Literacy Through Structured Sessions for Non-Communicable Diseases in Low-Resource Settings: The Learning Nest Model.","authors":"Maryvette Balcou-Debussche, Véronique La Hausse, Muriel Roddier, Claude Sokolowsky, Joëlle Rastami, Stéphane Besançon, Delphine Ballet, Jessica Caroupin, Sabeena Dowlut, Xavier Debussche","doi":"10.1177/2752535X231184346","DOIUrl":"10.1177/2752535X231184346","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Health literate self-management education is at stake for the prevention and management of non-communicable diseases in low resources settings and countries. Here we describe the Learning Nest in Ordinary Context (NA-CO in French, <i>Nids d'Apprentissage en Contexte Ordinaire)</i> aiming at the structuring of health education programs at the micro- (education sessions) and the meso-levels (adapted to context). The Learning Nest model was designed based on a combination on health literacy principles and on studies conducted with vulnerable people with non-communicable diseases. Observation of NA-CO active-learning sessions found them to be operational and relevant as they center on access, understanding, and use of health information while integrating the ordinary context of learners. The Learning Nest packages (including several adapted thematic sessions, training of trainers and development in context) were shown to be feasible and realistic in diverse locations (Reunion, Mali, Mayotte, Mauritius, Burundi). Qualitative and intervention studies have documented the potential usefulness of the Learning Nest model for context- and setting-specific health literacy interventions.</p>","PeriodicalId":72648,"journal":{"name":"Community health equity research & policy","volume":" ","pages":"409-418"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"9671415","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}
Iván Sarmiento, Sergio Paredes-Solís, Abraham De Jesús-García, Nadia Maciel-Paulino, Alba Meneses-Rentería, Carolina Amaya, Anne Cockcroft, Neil Andersson
{"title":"Traditional Midwifery Contribution to Safe Birth in Cultural Safety: Narrative Evaluation of an Intervention in Guerrero, Mexico.","authors":"Iván Sarmiento, Sergio Paredes-Solís, Abraham De Jesús-García, Nadia Maciel-Paulino, Alba Meneses-Rentería, Carolina Amaya, Anne Cockcroft, Neil Andersson","doi":"10.1177/0272684X221120481","DOIUrl":"10.1177/0272684X221120481","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>A 2017 randomised controlled trial in Guerrero State, Mexico, showed supporting Indigenous traditional midwives on their own terms improved traditional childbirths without inferior maternal health outcomes. This narrative evaluation complements the trial to document participant experience of safer birth in cultural safety, transformative dynamics and implementation issues of the intervention. Stories came from 26 traditional midwives, 28 apprentices, 12 intercultural brokers and 20 Indigenous women who experienced the intervention. Their accounts indicate the intervention revitalised traditional midwifery and consolidated local skills through traditional midwife apprentices and intercultural brokers to support safe birth. According to the stories, communities reintroduced traditional perinatal care and reported positive health impacts for mothers, children, and other adults, which contributed to early collaboration with official health services. Challenges included remuneration and disinterest of younger apprentices and brokers. The intervention seems to have improved interaction between traditional and Western services, setting the stage for further intercultural dialogue.</p>","PeriodicalId":72648,"journal":{"name":"Community health equity research & policy","volume":" ","pages":"377-389"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11143758/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"40394262","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}