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Psychosocial Mechanisms Linking the Social Environment to Mental Health in African Americans

Description

Resource-poor social environments predict poor health, but the mechanisms and processes linking the social environment to psychological health and well-being remain unclear. This study explored psychosocial mediators of the association between the social environment and mental health in African American adults. African American men and women (n = 1467) completed…

Resource-poor social environments predict poor health, but the mechanisms and processes linking the social environment to psychological health and well-being remain unclear. This study explored psychosocial mediators of the association between the social environment and mental health in African American adults. African American men and women (n = 1467) completed questionnaires on the social environment, psychosocial factors (stress, depressive symptoms, and racial discrimination), and mental health. Multiple-mediator models were used to assess direct and indirect effects of the social environment on mental health. Low social status in the community (p < .001) and U.S. (p < .001) and low social support (p < .001) were associated with poor mental health. Psychosocial factors significantly jointly mediated the relationship between the social environment and mental health in multiple-mediator models. Low social status and social support were associated with greater perceived stress, depressive symptoms, and perceived racial discrimination, which were associated with poor mental health. Results suggest the relationship between the social environment and mental health is mediated by psychosocial factors and revealed potential mechanisms through which social status and social support influence the mental health of African American men and women. Findings from this study provide insight into the differential effects of stress, depression and discrimination on mental health. Ecological approaches that aim to improve the social environment and psychosocial mediators may enhance health-related quality of life and reduce health disparities in African Americans.

ContributorsMama, Scherezade K. (Author) / Li, Yisheng (Author) / Basen-Engquist, Karen (Author) / Lee, Rebecca (Author) / Thompson, Deborah (Author) / Wetter, David W. (Author) / Nguyen, Nga T. (Author) / Reitzel, Lorraine R. (Author) / McNeill, Lorna H. (Author) / Arizona State University. College of Nursing & Healthcare Innovation (Contributor)

Created2016-04-27

Examining Health Professionals' Breastfeeding Knowledge

Description

Breastfeeding has been shown to dramatically improve health outcomes for both infants and mothers. Despite recommendations by almost all world and national health organizations to breastfeed exclusively for 6 months and to continue breastfeeding for one year, this goal is not met by the majority of women in the United…

Breastfeeding has been shown to dramatically improve health outcomes for both infants and mothers. Despite recommendations by almost all world and national health organizations to breastfeed exclusively for 6 months and to continue breastfeeding for one year, this goal is not met by the majority of women in the United States for multiple reasons. Health professionals, including physicians and nurses, can play a major role in educating and influencing mothers about breastfeeding, especially for women with comorbidities, taking medications, or undergoing medical procedures. An online survey was created to evaluate healthcare professionals' breastfeeding knowledge and opinions at a large hospital in Phoenix, Arizona using QuestionPro software. This survey was distributed for three weeks to the nursing and physician departments at the hospital in primarily the obstetric and post partum units. Of the seventy-nine individuals who completed the survey, the respondents were primarily female obstetric nurses. Respondents recognized the benefits of breastfeeding for both mother and infant, believed health professionals can influence the decision to breastfeed, and found a lack of support was the number one reason women discontinue breastfeeding. Despite this information, it is apparent from this survey, and similar studies in the past, that there are significant gaps in knowledge especially when it comes to contraindications to breastfeeding, medications used while breastfeeding, fluid intake during breastfeeding, and foods that can be consumed while breastfeeding. Additionally, the majority of the nurses who completed this survey did not believe their schooling adequately trained them in breastfeeding education and hands-on practice. This information could be used in future studies to guide breastfeeding education for nurses, physicians, and other health care professionals at the stated hospital and other facilities across the nation.

ContributorsConstenius, Lindsey Bowes (Author) / Bever, Jennie (Thesis director) / Kelly, Lesly (Committee member) / Arizona State University. College of Nursing & Healthcare Innovation (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)

Created2016-05

How Does Breastfeeding Relate to Postparum Depression and Weight in Mexican American Women

DescriptionThe goal of this study is to explore the relationship between breastfeeding, postpartum depression and postpartum weight at 1 and 6 months.

ContributorsFlowers, Jenna (Author) / Reifsnider, Elizabeth (Thesis director) / Bever, Jennie (Committee member) / Moramarco, Michael (Committee member) / Arizona State University. College of Nursing & Healthcare Innovation (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)

Created2015-12

Arizona Nurses Association Member Involvement in Public Policy

Description

The purpose of the study was to determine the level and type of public policy involvement among registered nurses (RN) who are members of the Arizona Nurses Association (AzNA). Furthermore, the aim of the study was to identify the knowledge base and motivation of nurses and their involvement in public…

The purpose of the study was to determine the level and type of public policy involvement among registered nurses (RN) who are members of the Arizona Nurses Association (AzNA). Furthermore, the aim of the study was to identify the knowledge base and motivation of nurses and their involvement in public policy as well as the barriers and benefits. A 20- item survey was sent to all of the members of AzNA. There were 39 responses used in the analysis. The highest reported public policy activities in which the nurses had participated were: voted (90%), contacted a public official (51%), and gave money to a campaign or for a public policy concern (46%). Lack of time was the most frequently reported barrier to involvement and improving the health of the public was the most frequently reported benefit to involvement. The number of public policy education/information sources and the highest level of education positively correlate to the nurses' total number of public policy activities (r = .627 p <0.05; r = .504, p <0.05). Based on the results of stepwise linear regression analysis, the participants' age, number of education/information sources, and efficacy expectation predict 68.8% of involvement in public policy activities. The greater the number of education/information sources, the greater the number of public policy activities nurses report having participated in.

ContributorsHartman, Mykaila Corrine (Author) / Stevens, Carol (Thesis director) / Munoz, Aliria (Committee member) / Link, Denise (Committee member) / Arizona State University. College of Nursing & Healthcare Innovation (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)

Created2015-12