We described and compared seniors' stroke-related health beliefs among four racial/ethnic communities to inform a culturally-tailored stroke prevention walking intervention. Specific attention was paid to how seniors combined pathophysiology-based biomedical beliefs with non-biomedical beliefs. We conducted twelve language-concordant, structured focus groups with African American, Chinese American, Korean American, and Latino seniors aged 60 years and older with a history of hypertension (n = 132) to assess stroke-related health beliefs.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe primary objective of this study was to explore how middle-aged gay men in recovery cope with stigma and family relationships. For gay men, perceptions of acceptance of their sexual orientation and degree of social connectedness can play a role in their recovery from alcohol and substance use disorders. Yet gay men may have a more difficult time accessing certain family-level health resources because their families of origin may stigmatize, reject or silence them on account of their sexual orientation.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFWomens Health Issues
August 2016
Objective: To inform the development of a tailored behavioral stroke risk reduction intervention for ethnic minority seniors, we sought to explore gender differences in perceptions of stroke prevention and physical activity (walking).
Methods: In collaboration with community-based organizations, we conducted 12 mixed-gender focus groups of African American, Latino, Chinese, and Korean seniors aged 60 years and older with a history of hypertension (89 women and 42 men). Transcripts were coded and recurring topics compared by gender.
Although older adult minorities face disparities in health and health care, they continue to be underrepresented in health research. Studies with biological markers of health often lack representation of older minority adults. The purpose of this study was to describe perceptions of biomarkers among ethnic minority seniors who might participate in studies of biological markers of health and to document barriers and facilitators to acceptance of biomarkers.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFJ Gay Lesbian Soc Serv
April 2014
This study explores how sober gay Latino men obtain support from their families. Familial ties can be a protective health factor, yet many gay Latinos experience rejection from family members because of their sexuality. There are very few studies that examine the extent and quality of emotional support from kin for this population.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe present work analyzes results from a three-year, mixed-methods sociological study of Black lesbian-headed families. It identifies four points of departure Black women make from what the existing literature has assumed about lesbian families and lesbian practice. It links these ideologies and behaviors to the experiences of African-American women growing up in Black heterosexual families and communities, particularly the mother-centered quality of many Black households and the history of female labor force participation and economic contributions to the household.
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