Health-related quality of life of African-American female breast cancer survivors, survivors of other cancers, and those without cancer.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare differences in health-related quality of life (HRQOL) between African-American female breast cancer survivors, African-American female survivors of other cancers, and African-American women with no history of cancer.

Methods: Using data from the 2010 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), the HRQOL of African-American women aged 35 years or older was compared by cancer status. Physical and mental health items from the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) global health scale were used to assess differences in HRQOL.

Evaluation of Colorectal Cancer Incidence Trends in the United States (2000-2014).

Colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence rates have declined in recent years for people of all races/ethnicities; however, the extent to which the decrease varies annually by demographic and disease-related characteristics is largely unknown. This study examines trends and annual percent change (APC) in the incidence among persons diagnosed with CRC in the United States of America from 2000-2014. The data obtained from the National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program were analyzed, and all persons ( = 577,708) with malignant CRC recorded in the SEER 18 database from 2000 to 2014 were characterized according to sex, race, age at diagnosis, disease site and stage.

Application of a faith-based integration tool to assess mental and physical health interventions.

Background: To build on current research involving faith-based interventions (FBIs) for addressing mental and physical health, this study a) reviewed the extent to which relevant publications integrate faith concepts with health and b) initiated analysis of the degree of FBI integration with intervention outcomes.

Methods: Derived from a systematic search of articles published between 2007 and 2017, 36 studies were assessed with a Faith-Based Integration Assessment Tool (FIAT) to quantify faith-health integration. Basic statistical procedures were employed to determine the association of faith-based integration with intervention outcomes.

Patterns of Internet-based health information seeking in adult survivors of childhood cancer.

Background: To assess where, when, and why survivors of childhood cancer seek health information.

Procedure: Data from the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study (CCSS) cohort (n = 1386) and Health Information National Trends Survey (n = 2385) were analyzed to determine the health information seeking strategies of childhood cancer survivors. Descriptive frequencies, χ analyses, t-tests, and multivariable logistic regression models were used.

TEACH Kitchen: A Chronological Review of Accomplishments.

Background: The Eating and Cooking Healthy (TEACH) Kitchen was founded at the Medical College of Georgia in 2015 as a nutrition-based intervention to combat the high prevalence of obesity and obesity-related chronic diseases in the area of Augusta, Georgia. Despite the importance of diet in the management of chronic diseases, inadequate nutrition education among patients and healthcare providers presents a barrier. The purpose of TEACH Kitchen is to address this gap.

Patient perspectives of an individualized diabetes care management plan.

Purpose: This cross sectional study examines patients' knowledge, attitudes and beliefs about a diabetic care management plan (DCMP) that was developed to provide patient education on diabetes guidelines and display individual diabetic core measures. Secondary objectives included a comparison of diabetic core measures [hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C), systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP, DBP), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and urine microalbumin (Um)] before and after DCMP implementation. We hypothesize this tool will contribute to patients' awareness of current disease status, diabetes knowledge and diabetic core value improvement over time.

Community engagement to address socio-ecological barriers to physical activity among African American breast cancer survivors.

Background: With high rates of obesity, low levels of physical activity (PA), and lack of adherence to physical activity guidelines (PAGs) among African American (AA) breast cancer survivors (BCSs), culturally appropriate interventions that address barriers to participation in PA are needed.

Methods: To develop intervention content, members of an AA breast cancer support group participated in four 1-hour focus group discussions (related to the barriers to PA, strategies for overcoming them, and intervention content), which were audiotaped, transcribed, and analyzed.

Results: The support group collaborated with researchers to construct the Physical Activity Intervention Developed (PAID) to Prevent Breast Cancer, a multi-component (educational sessions; support group discussions; and structured, moderately intensive walking, strength training, and yoga), facilitated, 24-week program focused on reducing multi-level barriers to PA that promote benefits ('pay off') of meeting PAGs.

The Eating and Cooking Healthy (TEACH) Kitchen: A Research Protocol.

Background: Diet-related chronic diseases, such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia have affected millions of individuals, resulting in disease-related complications and mortality. Strategies that may improve the outcome of chronic disease management include modification of lifestyle risk factors such as unhealthy diets. TEACH Kitchen is an experiential education program related to community nutrition, the goal of which is to teach patients management of chronic disease through dietary change.

Determinants of adherence to nutrition-related cancer prevention guidelines among African American breast cancer survivors.

Background: Mortality rate for breast cancer is higher among African American (AA) women than for women of other racial/ethnic groups. Obesity, also higher among AA women, may increase the risk of breast cancer development and recurrence. Lifestyle factors such as healthy nutrition can reduce the rate of obesity and breast cancer.

Exploration of barriers and facilitators to publishing local public health findings: A mixed methods protocol.

Background: Worldwide, the US accounts for a large proportion of journals related to public health. Although the American Public Health Association (APHA) includes 54 affiliated regional and state associations, little is known about their capacity to support public health scholarship. The aim of this study is to assess barriers and facilitators to operation of state journals for the dissemination of local public health research and practices.

Trends in HIV Testing among Adults in Georgia: Analysis of the 2011-2015 BRFSS Data.

Georgia is ranked fifth highest among states for rates of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) diagnosis. About 4% of persons living with HIV infection in the United States reside in Georgia, and almost 19% of these people do not know their HIV status. The present study examined the trends and associated factors of HIV testing among adults in Georgia between 2011 and 2015 by analyzing data of the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS).

Determinants of adherence to physical activity guidelines among overweight and obese African American breast cancer survivors: implications for an intervention approach.

Objective: Public health agencies encourage breast cancer survivors (BCSs) to follow their physical activity guidelines (PAGs). However, adherence to these guidelines is low. African American (AA) BCSs are more often overweight or obese and less likely than women of other races to report adherence to physical activity recommendations.

Reducing Disparities by way of a Cancer Disparities Research Training Program.

Background: For minority populations, there is a continuing disparity in the burden of death and illness from cancer. Research to address this disparity should be conducted by investigators who can best understand and address the needs of culturally diverse communities. However, minorities are under-represented in health-related research.

Formative research to develop a lifestyle application (app) for African American breast cancer survivors.

Background: There is a proliferation of lifestyle-oriented mobile technologies; however, few have targeted users. Through intervention mapping, investigators and community partners completed Steps 1-3 (needs assessment, formulation of change objectives, and selection of theory-based methods) of a process to develop a mobile cancer prevention application (app) for cancer prevention. The aim of this qualitative study was to complete Step 4 (intervention development) by eliciting input from African American (AA) breast cancer survivors (BCSs) to guide app development.

Engaging African Americans in developing an intervention to reduce breast cancer recurrence: A brief report.

Background: To develop a culturally appropriate lifestyle intervention, involvement of its intended users is needed.

Methods: Members of an African American (AA) breast cancer support group participated in two 4-hour guided discussions, which were audiotaped, transcribed, and analyzed to guide the content.

Results: The support group collaborated with researchers to develop 24 experiential nutrition education sessions using a social cognitive framework and incorporating self-regulation skills (goal-setting, self-monitoring, problem-solving, stimulus control) and social support to enhance self-efficacy for changes in dietary intake.

Persons Who Failed to Obtain Colorectal Cancer Screening Despite Participation in an Evidence-Based Intervention.

In a previous report, we demonstrated the efficacy of an educational intervention focused on increasing colorectal cancer screening rates among African Americans. Despite participating in the intervention, however, nearly two-thirds of participants did not seek and receive screening. Participants were African-Americans over age 49 (N = 257) who had not been screened for colorectal cancer according to guidelines.

A systematic review of lifestyle interventions for chronic diseases in rural communities.

Background: Rural Americans suffer disproportionately from lifestyle-related chronic diseases (e.g., obesity, diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and breast cancer).

Toward the Elimination of Colorectal Cancer Disparities Among African Americans.

Background: In the USA, race and socioeconomic status are well-known factors associated with colorectal cancer incidence and mortality rates. These are higher among blacks than whites and other racial/ethnic groups.

Methods: In this article, we review opportunities to address disparities in colorectal cancer incidence, mortality, and survivorship among African Americans.

Ethical and Social Issues in Health Research Involving Incarcerated People.

The use of inmates in research in the U.S. was restricted by the recommendations of the National Commission and by federal regulations and guidelines that followed.

Community-Based Participatory Research to Promote Healthy Diet and Nutrition and Prevent and Control Obesity Among African-Americans: a Literature Review.

Introduction: The literature on community-based participatory research (CBPR) approaches for promoting healthy diet and nutrition and preventing and controlling obesity in African-American communities was systematically reviewed as part of the planning process for new research.

Methods: CBPR studies of diet, nutrition, and weight management among African-Americans were identified from 1989 through October 31, 2015, using PubMed and the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) databases and MeSH term and keyword searches.

Results: A total of 16 CBPR studies on healthy diet, nutrition, and weight management among African-Americans were identified; outcome evaluation results were available for all but two.

Age, Race and Regional Disparities in Colorectal Cancer Incidence Rates in Georgia between 2000 and 2012.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence rates and mortality have been decreasing in the United States. Currently, states in the South have the smallest reduction in CRC mortality. The trends of CRC incidence rates in Georgia in comparison to the United States have not been investigated.

A review of community-based participatory research studies to promote physical activity among African Americans.

Background: As part of the planning process for new research, the literature on community-based participatory research (CBPR) approaches for promoting physical activity in African American communities was systematically reviewed.

Methods: Studies published through October 31, 2015 that employed CBPR methods were identified using PubMed and CINAHL databases and MeSH terms and keyword searches.

Results: A total of 15 studies met the search criteria.