“They Paid No Mind to My State of Mind”: African American Breast Cancer Patients’ Experiences of Cancer Care Delivery

This qualitative study describes experiences of cancer care delivery for nine African-American breast cancer patients. Three focus groups captured participants’ experiences with the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer and parenting their children. Spontaneous accounts describing their interactions with oncology staff were reported by all breast cancer patients. Content analysis revealed five themes: interaction with physicians, power and authority of physicians, collaboration between physicians and mental health professionals, navigating the system, and involvement of the family in the treatment process. These themes may help in developing culturally sensitive training programs for oncology providers to improve the quality of cancer care.     

Impact of Nursing Intervention on Decreasing Substances among Homeless Youth

Background : Alcohol use, and in particular, binge drinking, and methamphetamine use is pervasive among homeless youth and remains a social pressure among this vulnerable population. However, there is no compelling evidence that specific interventions for reducing drug and alcohol use are effective for homeless youth. Objectives : This community‐based participatory action pilot study assessed the impact of an intervention study focused on decreasing use of drugs and alcohol among a sample of homeless young adults (N= 154) visiting a drop‐in site in Santa Monica, California. The two programs consisted of an HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis Health Promotion (HHP) program led by nurses and an Art Messaging (AM) program led by artists. Six‐month follow‐up data were obtained from 100 of these individuals. Results : Findings revealed significant reductions in alcohol and marijuana use and binge drinking in both the HHP and AM programs. However, homeless youth in the HHP program reported additional reductions in methamphetamine, cocaine, and hallucinogen use at 6‐month follow‐up. Conclusions : Reductions in drugs and alcohol are important as these substances are linked to HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, and other health risks in homeless youth. Scientific Significance : The successful outcomes of the study intervention validate the utility of nurse‐led and artistic health promotion strategies to decrease drug and alcohol use and other risky behaviors in homeless youth populations. (Am J Addict 2012;21:558–565)     

Correlates of Risky Alcohol and Methamphetamine Use Among Currently Homeless Male Parolees

Homeless men on parole are a hard-to-reach population with significant community reintegration challenges. This cross-sectional study describes sociodemographic, cognitive, psychosocial, and drug-related correlates of alcohol and methamphetamine use in 157 homeless male parolees (age range 18–60) enrolled in a substance abuse treatment center in Los Angeles, California. Logistic regression results revealed that being African American and older were negatively related to methamphetamine use, whereas being older and more hostile were related to riskier alcohol abuse. Findings from this study provide a greater understanding of correlates of methamphetamine and alcohol—-two of the most detrimental forms of substances abused among currently homeless parolees.     

Family Health Care Delivery for the 21st Century

Families are where individuals learn lifelong health attitudes and health behaviors. Factors are discussed that will shape the delivery of family health care into the 21 st century. Data on issues and trends from the past decade concerning demographic, economic, epidemiologic, and primary health care generate conclusions about family health care needs. Implications for family health care delivery, health policy, and research are discussed.     

Immersion research education: students as catalysts in international collaboration research

ANDERSON K.H., FRIEDEMANN M.L., B?SCHER A., SANSONI J. & HODNICKI D. (2012) Immersion research education: students as catalysts in international collaboration research. International Nursing Review Background: This paper describes an international nursing and health research immersion program. Minority students from the USA work with an international faculty mentor in teams conducting collaborative research. The Minority Health International Research Training (MHIRT) program students become catalysts in the conduct of cross‐cultural research. Aim: To narrow the healthcare gap for disadvantaged families in the USA and partner countries. Methods: Faculty from the USA, Germany, Italy, Colombia, England, Austria and Thailand formed an international research and education team to explore and compare family health issues, disparities in chronic illness care, social inequities and healthcare solutions. USA students in the MHIRT program complete two introductory courses followed by a 3‐month research practicum in a partner country guided by faculty mentors abroad. The overall program development, student study abroad preparation, research project activities, cultural learning, and student and faculty team outcomes are explored. Results: Cross‐fertilization of research, cultural awareness and ideas about improving family health occur through education, international exchange and research immersion. Faculty research and international team collaboration provide opportunities for learning about research, health disparities, cultural influences and healthcare systems. The students are catalysts in the research effort, the dissemination of research findings and other educational endeavours. Five steps of the collaborative activities lead to programmatic success. Conclusions: MHIRT scholars bring creativity, enthusiasm, and gain a genuine desire to conduct health research about families with chronic illness. Their cultural learning stimulates career plans that include international research and attention to vulnerable populations.